Resident doctors in England are slated to stage a five‑day walkout from 7:00 AM on Monday, 14 November 2025 until 7:00 AM on Saturday, 19 November 2025, a move that could disrupt hundreds of thousands of NHS appointments. The strike was announced by Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee in a media release on 24 October 2025. The action follows an overwhelming vote by first‑year doctors earlier that month and comes as negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Department of Health and Social Care have stalled.
Background to the Pay Dispute
Junior doctors argue they have endured a cumulative 26 percent real‑terms pay cut since 2008, a figure that becomes stark when you consider the 6.7 percent inflation rate recorded in the United Kingdom for 2025. Their headline demand is a 29 percent wage increase, which would, in theory, restore salaries to 2008 levels after accounting for 17 years of inflation. The government’s counter‑offer, unveiled at the September 2025 pay review body meeting, is a 12.5 percent package spread over three years – a proposal that many residents deem insufficient.
Adding fuel to the fire is what Pulse Today described as an “unemployment crisis.” A recent General Medical Council survey revealed that 43 percent of final‑year medical students are uncertain about securing a specialty training post for the 2026 academic year. For many junior doctors, the fear of being stuck in limbo outweighs the salary numbers.
Details of the Upcoming Strike
The strike, officially labeled as Resident Doctors StrikeEngland, is planned as a continuous 120‑hour work stoppage across all NHS hospitals in the region. Emergency departments, surgical theatres, and outpatient clinics are expected to run on reduced staffing, with many non‑urgent procedures postponed.
- Estimated impact: up to 650,000 scheduled appointments.
- Planned operations at risk: roughly 120,000.
- Winter pressure period: historically sees 15‑20 percent higher A&E attendances.
- Number of resident doctors involved: about 58,000 (NHS Digital, Sep 2025).
Because the strike coincides with the early winter surge, hospitals have warned that bed occupancy could spike, potentially forcing patients to seek care in neighboring regions.
Reactions from Stakeholders
"Our colleagues are being asked to work longer for less pay, while the cost of living continues to climb," said Wes Streeting, UK Health Secretary.
The Department of Health and Social Care, based at London, emphasized that the offered package aligns with broader fiscal constraints. A spokesperson noted that the government remains "committed to finding a sustainable solution" but warned that further industrial action could jeopardize patient safety.
Patient advocacy groups have taken a more nuanced view. The National Patient Council released a statement saying, "We support fair pay for doctors, but we also need continuity of care during the winter months. A mediated solution is essential."
Potential Impact on NHS Services
Modeling by NHS England suggests that the five‑day strike could push elective surgery waiting lists beyond the 18‑month mark for the first time since 2019. Charities that depend on hospital referrals, such as Cancer Support UK, warn of delayed diagnoses that could affect survival rates.
On the ground, some trusts have already drafted contingency plans: emergency departments will operate with senior consultants on call, while ambulance services are being instructed to prioritize life‑threatening cases.
Negotiations and Next Steps
Talks are scheduled for 30 October 2025 at the BMA headquarters in London. Both sides have signaled a willingness to return to the table, but the gap remains wide. The BMA has warned that if a deal is not reached by the end of November, additional strike dates could be announced.
"We are not against the NHS," Dr Fletcher said in a brief interview. "We simply cannot accept a deal that leaves our members earning less in real terms while the public bears the cost of delayed care."
Historical Context of Junior Doctor Strikes
This will be the third major industrial action by resident doctors in the 2024‑2025 dispute cycle. Earlier strikes in March (18‑21 March) and April (7‑11 April) together accounted for 11 days of disruption. Those actions forced the government to roll out a temporary overtime payment scheme, but the underlying pay gap persisted.
Looking back, the 2016 junior doctor contract crisis resulted in a year‑long series of strikes that ultimately reshaped the apprenticeship model for doctors. Analysts suggest that the current demands echo that era’s concerns about workload, training slots, and long‑term career security.
Key Facts
- Strike dates: 14‑19 Nov 2025 (120 hours).
- Primary demand: 29 % wage increase for resident doctors.
- Government offer: 12.5 % multi‑year package.
- Stakeholders: BMA, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, patient groups.
- Potential impact: 650,000+ appointments, 120,000+ operations delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the strike affect patients needing emergency care?
Emergency departments will stay open but operate with reduced staffing, meaning wait times could rise by 20‑30 percent. Life‑threatening cases will still be prioritized, but non‑urgent attendances may face longer delays.
What is the 'unemployment crisis' the doctors refer to?
The crisis points to a bottleneck in specialty training posts. According to the GMC’s October 2025 survey, 43 percent of final‑year medical students are unsure whether they will secure a training slot for 2026, creating anxiety about career progression.
Why are doctors demanding a 29 % pay rise?
The figure is calculated to bring 2025 salaries back to their 2008 real‑term level after 17 years of cumulative inflation (about 67.3 %). Doctors say the current 12.5 % offer leaves them earning roughly a quarter less than they did a decade ago.
What are the next steps if the strike ends without a deal?
The BMA has warned that further strike dates could be announced. Negotiations are slated to continue at the end of November, with both sides hoping to avoid additional disruption during the winter pressure period.
How does this dispute compare to previous junior doctor strikes?
Unlike the 2016 contract fight, which centered on contract terms, this round is heavily focused on real‑term pay erosion and training bottlenecks. The cumulative days lost so far (11 days) are similar, but the current demand for a 29 % increase is notably higher than past offers.