'We have no choice': Why are resident doctors back on the cusp of strikes?

Jacob King/PA Wire

By Daniel Pye

The British Medical Association has announced 5 consecutive days of strike action for resident doctors in England over pay later this month. Doctors.net.uk looks at why doctors in training are again on the brink of strikes.

The strike for doctors in training in 2016 was the first of its kind in the history of the NHS. Since then, junior doctors have changed their name - and engaged in 44 days of pay-related industrial action.

Almost a year after the end of the last lengthy pay dispute, resident doctors may down tools once again. Find out more here about the path that has led to the planned strike:

When did resident doctors last go on strike?

Resident doctors took part in 11 separate strikes during 2023 and 2024. The last one took place on 27 June to 2 July 2024, shortly before the general election brought a change in government.