First-Year Doctors Vote to Strike Over Job Shortages in England

Newly qualified doctors in their first year of practice in England have overwhelmingly supported strike action due to a significant shortage of available training positions. The British Medical Association (BMA) reports that thousands of resident doctors are facing uncertainty as they transition from their second to third year, with only 10,000 jobs available for approximately 30,000 candidates.

The BMA has highlighted that this year’s situation is exacerbated by the inclusion of international applicants, further complicating the job landscape for newly qualified doctors. This voting outcome comes in response to ongoing discussions between the BMA and the government, which initially began following a pay strike in July 2023. By formally securing a mandate for strike action, the BMA has opened a new chapter in its efforts to address these pressing issues.

High Stakes for Resident Doctors

A remarkable 97% of participants in the vote supported strike action, with a turnout of 65%. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, voiced the concerns of many, stating, “Doctors have spoken clearly – they won’t accept that they face a career of insecurity at a time when the demand for doctors is huge.”

The current job market situation is particularly grim for specialisations like psychiatry, where over 10,000 doctors applied for fewer than 500 available positions. Dr. Fletcher noted that patients are experiencing long waits for care, which negatively impacts their health. The demand for general practitioners (GPs) is also escalating, with an alarming ratio of five applicants for every available training post, yet patient demand for appointments continues to rise.

Dr. Fletcher criticized the government’s recent pledge to increase training places by just 1,000 as inadequate, particularly given the pressing need to address waiting lists and enhance patient care. He emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive plan that tackles both pay and job security to support the next generation of healthcare professionals, stating, “Patients need doctors to have jobs. Doctors need to know they will have jobs. And they need to know they will be paid what they’re worth.”

Government Stance on Pay Negotiations

Despite the mounting pressure from resident doctors, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has remained firm in his position, stating he will not negotiate over pay increases. His team has redirected discussions towards improving working conditions, addressing exam fees, revising rotas, and enhancing career progression opportunities.

This stance follows a substantial pay rise awarded to resident doctors, which amounted to 22% over the last two years, alongside an additional 5.4% increase this year. Nevertheless, the BMA asserts that current pay levels remain around a fifth lower than they were in 2008 when adjusted for inflation, highlighting ongoing financial challenges for healthcare workers.

As the situation develops, the BMA’s call for strike action signals a significant turning point in the ongoing dialogue about job security and pay within the National Health Service (NHS). The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting implications for the future of healthcare in England, as both patient care and the wellbeing of medical professionals hang in the balance.