NHS Strikes See Record Low Turnout as Doctors Reconsider BMA Tactics

Junior doctors in England have embarked on a five day strike, yet participation has reached its lowest level amid increasing criticism of the British Medical Association. The action, which commenced on Friday and will conclude on Wednesday, has seen more doctors remaining at work and questioning the union’s current strategy.

Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of the NHS, stated that hospitals maintained at least 95 percent of routine care and operational activity, a notable achievement under the dual pressures of industrial action and severe weather. Mackey commended hospital staff for exceptional resilience, noting that some trusts exceeded planned activity targets despite widespread disruption.

This reduced participation may signal a shift in sentiment within the medical profession. Several doctors have crossed picket lines for the first time, expressing discontent with the BMA’s rhetoric. One such doctor, previously a supporter of the union, described being embarrassed by ongoing pay rise demands in the current economic climate considering the increases already secured since 2022.

The strike, the thirteenth such action in under three years, follows failed negotiations between the union and the government. Junior doctors are now seeking a 26 percent pay rise after having received near 29 percent in the preceding three years. The prolonged industrial action has disrupted over one million appointments and procedures across the NHS.

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, has firmly criticised the BMA, alleging the union represents activist interests rather than frontline medical professionals. Streeting indicated no intention to raise headline pay further, although he has proposed a package offering more training places, priority for UK trained doctors, and coverage of certain professional fees; this was ultimately not put forward to union members.

Health leaders attribute the drop in turnout to dissatisfaction with BMA leadership. Daniel Elkeles, NHS Providers chief executive, noted approximately half of junior doctors chose to work during the latest strike, compared to significantly higher non attendance in previous actions. Growing numbers of junior doctors appear to favour negotiation over continued disruption, a trend that may reshape the ongoing dispute.