Doctors strike set for July 2025

The impending strike by resident doctors in the NHS is set to take place from 7am on Friday 25 July to 7am on Wednesday 30 July 2025. This strike follows ongoing disputes between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government regarding pay discrepancies, particularly in the context of rising living costs. The BMA is seeking a 29 per cent pay rise, citing erosion of wages since 2008 as a core issue.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly condemned the strike, labelling it reckless and unnecessary. He suggests that the current pay rises for doctors, which represent the highest increases in the public sector over the past two years, render the strike unjustified. Despite the BMA’s insistence that the dispute is primarily about pay, Streeting’s office has indicated a reluctance to engage in further negotiations concerning compensation.

The BMA has stressed the financial burdens faced by resident doctors, including substantial student debt. The association claims that while discussions about non-pay elements impacting doctors’ finances are constructive, the core issue remains centred on the urgent need for salary increases.

As the government continues to stand firm in its position against further pay negotiations, tensions have risen. Recent polls indicate that public support for the doctors’ strike has diminished, with approximately 52 per cent of respondents opposing the action. The NHS is under significant pressure as it tries to maintain elective care services amidst the industrial action, further complicating an already strained system.

With the strike imminent, the BMA has called for solidarity among doctors. They believe that collective action is necessary to uphold their bargaining power and ultimately improve their working conditions. The potential impact on patient care is a major concern, as thousands of operations and appointments are likely to be disrupted during this period.

The situation is developing, and the outlook for resolution remains uncertain. Stakeholders across the NHS will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this planned industrial action.