Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: England, United Kingdom
Tracking Id: RINTP4769267314
Description:
As per reports, the British Medical Association has announced industrial action by resident doctors in England for five days from 17 December till 22 December.
The strike is scheduled from 0700 hours local time on 17 December till 0700 hours local time on 22 December.
• The strike is a result of the government’s failure to address the issue of payments and working conditions of resident doctors and lack of progress towards a viable agreement. The BMA has held a series of strikes over these issues since 2023, and the upcoming walkout will be the 14th strike action.
• The demands include an increase in doctors’ payments in real terms according to inflation rates.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not affected by the walkout.
Impact:
• The strike action is anticipated to result in increased pressure to National Health Services (NHS), especially due to the flu season and rising cases of winter infections during the year-end.
• Routine checkups and non-essential procedures may face last minute cancellations.
• Local clinics and emergency services might face an increased demand due limited availability of services and significant reduction in healthcare service capacity.
• Secondary actions such as protests, picketing and follow-up solidarity strikes may be possible.
Recommendations:
It is advised to stay informed about the protest action through the website of BMA (https://www.bma.org.uk/).
It is advised to monitor updates through the website of NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/).
Sources:
• https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/resident-doctors-strike-nhs-wes-streeting-b2877052.html
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0qyl4ljjko
• https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/resident-doctors-to-strike-17-22-december-as-pay-row-with-government-escalates/201912/
• https://www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/resident-doctor-campaigns/pay-in-england/pay-restoration-for-resident-doctors-in-england
