Five-Day Strike Confirmed by Resident Doctors
Resident doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association (BMA), are scheduled to begin a five-day strike starting at 7 am on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and concluding at 7 am on Monday, December 22, 2025. This industrial action follows the overwhelming rejection of the government's recent pay offer, escalating a long-running dispute over salaries and working conditions.
The BMA confirmed that 83% of its resident doctor members voted to proceed with the strike, with a 65% turnout among the 53,726 eligible members. This marks the 14th strike staged by resident doctors since the dispute began in March 2023.
Rejected Offer and BMA Demands
The government's latest offer, proposed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aimed to avert the strike by increasing specialty training places by 4,000 over the next three years, prioritizing UK medical graduates, and covering expenses such as exam fees. However, the offer notably did not include any pay increase for the current financial year.
The BMA's resident doctors committee chairman, Dr. Jack Fletcher, stated that the offer was 'too little, too late' and criticized it for not creating new jobs but rather 'cannibalising' existing ones. Doctors are seeking a return of salaries to their 2008-2009 levels, which they argue have been significantly eroded by inflation, and are campaigning for a 26% pay rise for pay restoration.
'Super Flu' Outbreak Adds Pressure to NHS
The impending strike coincides with a severe and 'record-breaking flu outbreak' across the United Kingdom, often referred to as 'super flu' or K flu (H3N2 subclade K). NHS figures reveal that flu-related hospitalizations surged by 55% in a single week, with an average of 2,660 patients per day in hospital beds. This figure represents the highest level for this time of year, pushing the NHS into what officials describe as a 'moment of maximum danger' and a 'worst-case scenario'.
The rapid spread of this particular flu strain is attributed to lower population immunity, making it easier for the virus to circulate and leading to more severe illnesses, particularly among older adults.
Government and BMA Exchange Strong Words
Health Secretary Wes Streeting strongly condemned the doctors' decision, calling the strike 'self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous'. He accused the BMA of choosing the Christmas period to 'inflict damage on the NHS at the moment of maximum danger', and dismissed the doctors' 26% pay claim as a 'fantasy demand'.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in, describing the planned action as 'reckless' and expressing that he was 'gutted' by the BMA's decision. In response, the BMA urged Mr. Streeting to 'stop scaremongering' and focus on finding a credible offer to end the industrial action.
5 Comments
Raphael
Finally, someone is standing up to the government's continuous neglect of our healthcare professionals.
Leonardo
There's a clear need for pay restoration for resident doctors; their dedication is invaluable. However, the impact of a five-day strike during a flu epidemic will be catastrophic, and both parties must prioritize patient safety above all else.
Donatello
Pay restoration isn't a 'fantasy,' it's a necessity. Good on them for fighting for what's right.
Michelangelo
The BMA is out of touch. Think about the vulnerable patients, not just your wallets.
Raphael
They chose the Christmas period on purpose to inflict maximum damage. Unacceptable behavior.