Doctors Strike in England: 6-Day Walkout Over Pay & Training

0:00On April 7th, tens of thousands of resident doctors in England kicked off their longest strike yet, a full six day starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Health Secretary West Streeting blasted the British Medical Association for tanking their own shot at better pay and more training spots by walking out. Anyway, he says they rejected a solid government deal that could have boosted wages and jobs. Earlier this week, talks broke down after months of back and forth. The government offered an average 4.9% pay rise this year, at least 6.2% for the lowest earners and a total. 35.2% jump over four years. They also promised up to 4,500 extra specialty training posts over three years, including 1,000 this April plus help with exam fees. This action hits hard, marking the 15th strike since March 2023 with doctors out for a 60th day in three years. NHS bosses warn it will cost 300 million pounds this round, pushing total strike expenses past 3 billion since 2023.

1:04Appointments are getting canceled, tests and surgeries delayed, but leaders urge patients not to skip needed care. The big sticking points? The union wants a 26% pay restoration spread out, but clashed over 700 million pounds in progression pay timing and those. Extra training spots, which streeting pulled after the rejection, BMA calls it a last minute goal post shift by ministers. Strike wraps at 7 a.m. Monday, so check if your appointments on, unless told otherwise. Emergencies still mean call 999 or hit A&E, no delays there. NHS recovery hangs in the balance as both sides dig in.