Doctors in England are returning to work on Monday following a five-day walkout over pay and working conditions, bringing the latest phase of the dispute with the government to a pause.

The strike, organised by the British Medical Association (BMA), went ahead despite rising flu cases and last-minute negotiations with ministers.

Doctors rejected a fresh government offer that focused on training and job security rather than pay restoration.

Speaking to the British Medical Journal on Friday, BMA resident doctor leader DR Jack Fletcher said doctors were leaving the UK because “they will essentially pay me more and also treat me better.”

The dispute centres on pay erosion, career progression and workforce retention. Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, are calling for a long-term pay plan and more specialist training places to allow qualified doctors to advance their careers within the National Health Service (NHS).

Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, said he wants the Doctors in England strike over pay resolved by the new year.

The BMA said 65% of its members took part in the action, marking the 14th strike since March 2023.

The union maintains that resident doctors’ pay remains around 20% lower than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation, despite an average pay rise of 5.4% this year.

During a visit to a London ambulance station last week, Streeting said: “I do want to end this dispute.

“I don’t want us to be locked in a bitter dispute, and I’m never going to shut the door to talks, and I will do my best to see if we can start 2026 off on a better foot.

However, he added that the BMA is “demanding an extra 26% on top of what we’ve already given”.

“That is not a figure that we can afford but we will get around the table with them again in the new year,” he said.

Health experts warn that the effects of the Doctors in England strike over pay could extend into 2026 and beyond, particularly given existing pressures on the NHS.

Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the walkout as “dangerous and utterly irresponsible”, especially during what has been a heavy flu season at the start of winter.

Throughout the strike, the BMA said it worked with NHS leaders to maintain patient safety across hospitals and health services.

While the NHS remains on alert, flu cases appear to be stabilising. The BBC reported on Friday that just over 3,000 patients were hospitalized with flu in England.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, resident doctors have announced a national strike from 13 January to 17 January, marking the first nationwide walkout by NHS workers there. (BBC)

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