Introduction to the Strike
Local doctors in England are planning to strike for five consecutive days due to a salary dispute with the government, starting from July 25. They claim that they did not have a "credible salary agreement" for 2025-2026. However, Health Secretary argues that the strike has been "inappropriate" in recent years.
Requirements for Paying Doctors
The British Medical Association (BMA) says that the payment of local doctors will be real by 20% lower than in 2008, even after an increase in August. The BMA wants the group, known as junior doctors, to be reconciled with the level that it was 17 years ago when they said they started to undermine their payment. The claim is based on a measure of inflation, which is referred to as a retail price index (RPI). This includes housing costs and shows higher price increases than some other inflation measures.
Salary Increases for Resident Doctors
Since 2023, resident doctors have participated in 11 separate strikes and triggered for fairer payment and working conditions. In 2023-24, they received a salary increase of 22% over two years. From August this year, they will receive an additional salary increase of 5.4%. Health Secretary says that local doctors have received the greatest payment of public sector employees in the past three years. The government says that it will not offer any further increases.
Salaries of Local Doctors
During their first year of foundation, after completing their medical doctors in England, they earn a basic content of £38,831 for an average of 48 hours a week. In the second year, this increases to £44,439. Doctors often expect that they work for additional payments for additional hours. After eight years as a local doctor, salaries can rise to around £70,000.
Comparison with Other Jobs
In May, the government announced salary increases for a number of workers in the public sector, including 4% for other doctors, dentists, and teachers in England, as well as prison officers in England and Wales. The BMA argues that local doctors may have built up more student debts than people who work in other jobs. A medical conclusion can take five or six years – longer than most other courses. Local doctors also say that they have little control about where and when they are asked to work.
Impact on Patients
The doctors will stage a strike in England from July 25 to July 30. NHS leaders have warned that patient care is interrupted when the strike progresses. On the strike days, more older doctors are likely to work in an emergency and urgent care to replace conspicuous local doctors. As a result, many planned operations must be canceled. According to the state analysis, 507,000 appointments and operations were canceled and postponed between the doctors due to strikes. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not affected by these strikes.
