BMA Calls Off Planned Strike as Government Presents New Proposal

Resident doctors in England have suspended their planned strike after the government made a new offer at the last minute, providing relief to both sides.

The planned strike by resident doctors in England, set to begin on Monday 15 June has been called off following a last-minute offer from the government. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that the new proposal would be put to its members for a vote, averting what would have been the 16th strike in the ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions.

The walkout, scheduled to run from 07:00 BST on Monday until 06:59 Friday 19 June had been anticipated with concern by both healthcare providers and patients. The suspension of the strike brings a sense of relief, although some patient disruptions are expected due to the late nature of the agreement.

The Last-Minute Offer and Its Implications

The government’s new offer, presented just hours before the strike was to begin, includes promises of 4,500 extra training places for newly qualified doctors and coverage of doctors’ exam fees. While there is no additional funding for this year, the proposal suggests faster increases in pay scales for the next year.

This offer aims to address some of the key concerns raised by the BMA, including the need for better training opportunities and financial support.

Health Secretary James Murray described the new offer as a “chance to draw a line under the damaging disputes of recent years.” He emphasized that while the country cannot afford to increase the pay offer for this year, progress has been made in other areas such as training places and working conditions. The BMA, in turn, stated that it had held up its “end of the bargain” after the government shifted its position.

The Background of the Dispute

The dispute between resident doctors and the government has been ongoing since 2026, with multiple strikes taking place over pay and working conditions. The most recent strike before this suspension was a six-day walkout in early April following the rejection of an earlier offer that included more training jobs, faster career progression, and coverage of out-of-pocket expenses.

Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, have received pay rises worth 33% over the past four years, including a 3.5% increase this year. Starting salaries are now just over £40,000 with the most senior resident doctors earning £76,500 in basic pay. However, the BMA argues that, when adjusted for inflation, resident doctors are still being paid a fifth less than they were in 2008.

Dr Jack Fletcher chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, stated that the BMA had always been clear that no strikes needed to go ahead if an appropriate offer was received. He acknowledged that the offer should not have been left to the last moment but expressed willingness to negotiate in good faith. The BMA will now put the offer to its members for a vote, with the outcome determining the next steps in the dispute.

Sir Ciarán Devane chief executive of the NHS Alliance, called the suspension of the strike a “vital chance to reset the conversation” and urged both sides to strike a “fair, sustainable agreement.” He emphasized the importance of finding a resolution that benefits both doctors and patients.

The suspension of the strike brings a temporary end to the tensions, but the underlying issues of pay and working conditions remain. The outcome of the BMA’s vote on the new offer will be crucial in determining whether this dispute can be resolved or if further action will be necessary.