Resident doctors’ strike could force NHS to cut staff and patient services | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJane KirbyFriday 14 November 2025 02:10 GMTOne in five NHS doctors considering leaving UK profession, report warnsThousands of resident doctors in England are set to begin a five-day strike from Friday over a pay dispute, marking their 13th walkout since March 2023.Health leaders from the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers warn that continued industrial action could force the NHS to cut frontline staff, appointments and operations due to significant financial strain.The previous five-day strike in July was estimated to have cost the health service £300 million, further impacting already tight budgets and hindering efforts to reduce waiting lists.The British Medical Association (BMA) is seeking a 26 per cent pay uplift to restore doctors' earnings, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting states doctors have received an almost 30 per cent increase over three years.The BMA has instructed doctors not to cover planned NHS work during the strike unless specific conditions are met, while NHS England urges trusts not to adopt the BMA's higher rate card for cover.In fullNHS doctors begin five-day strike amid staff cuts warningThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in