London : In a significant escalation of the long-running dispute over pay and working conditions, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, that resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in England will stage a six-day walkout.
The industrial action comes after the government’s latest pay offer and the Pay Review Body (DDRB) recommendation of a 3.5% uplift were rejected by the union as “insufficient” to address years of pay erosion.
Key Strike Details (April 2026)
- Start Date: 7:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Immediately following the Easter Bank Holiday).
- End Date: 6:59 AM on Monday, April 13, 2026.
- Duration: 6 full days (144 hours).
- Location: NHS Hospitals and clinics across England.
- Reason for Strike: A “simultaneous pay and jobs crisis.” The BMA claims the government “shifted the goalposts” during recent negotiations by spreading proposed pay increases over three years rather than delivering immediate restoration.
The Impact on the NHS
| Metric | Estimated Impact / Details |
| Financial Cost | Estimated to cost the NHS up to £300 Million in single-round losses. |
| Strike Round | This marks the 15th round of strikes by resident doctors since 2023. |
| Patient Care | Thousands of elective surgeries and outpatient appointments are expected to be postponed. |
| Emergency Care | Consultants and senior staff will be drafted to cover emergency and life-saving services. |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why are they striking just after Easter?
The BMA states that despite weeks of “good faith” negotiations, the government failed to provide an offer that moves substantially toward “pay restoration.” The timing ensures maximum visibility after a busy holiday period.
2. What was the government’s offer?
The government accepted a 3.5% pay rise recommendation for 2026/27, calling it a “real-terms pay rise.” However, the BMA argues this fails to correct the 26% real-terms pay cut experienced by doctors since 2008.
3. What should patients do during the strike?
NHS leaders advise patients to attend appointments as planned unless they are contacted by their hospital to reschedule. Emergency departments (A&E) will remain open for life-threatening conditions, but non-urgent cases will face extreme delays.
4. Are “Resident Doctors” the same as “Junior Doctors”?
Yes. The BMA officially changed the terminology from “Junior Doctors” to “Resident Doctors” in 2024 to better reflect their level of expertise and responsibility.
Official Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Information is based on official BMA announcements and NHS England health alerts as of March 26, 2026. Strike dates and durations are subject to change if a last-minute deal is reached between the union and the Department of Health.