Public support for doctor strikes is declining, poll suggests

Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

By Jane Kirby and Joe Hadden, PA Media

Public support for NHS doctor strikes is declining, according to a new YouGov poll.

The survey found just over half (52%) of people in the UK are opposed – an increase in those against it since the public were last asked in May.

It comes ahead of a 5-day strike by resident doctors in England set to start on Friday morning.

Now 20% said they “somewhat oppose” and 32% “strongly oppose” the idea of resident doctors going on strike over pay.

Meanwhile, a third (34%) of the 4,954 adults surveyed either “somewhat support” or “strongly support” doctor strikes.

Older people are more likely to be against, with 52% of those aged over 65 “strongly opposed”, compared with 10% of those aged 18 to 24.

YouGov said the proportion supporting the strike over pay has dropped five points since it last asked the question in May.

Back then, 48% opposed resident doctors striking, while 39% supported them taking action.