Overview
- The walkout runs from 7am on Friday 14 November to 7am on Wednesday 19 November after resident doctors rejected the latest government offer on jobs and costs.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting refused to reopen pay negotiations, described the action as self-defeating, and warned the strike could cost just under £250 million.
- NHS England told trusts to protect emergency care and aim to deliver at least 95% of planned elective activity, urging patients to attend appointments unless contacted.
- NHS Confederation and NHS Providers warned continued industrial action could force staff reductions and fewer tests, appointments and operations as flu pressures build.
- The BMA says doctors need about a 26% uplift to restore pay since 2008 and that shortages in training posts persist, citing roughly 30,000 applicants for about 10,000 places while resisting derogations unless trusts have curtailed planned work and secured cover.