UK doctors strike: what’s happening in July 2025?
A new wave of industrial action is coming to the NHS as resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in England prepare for a five-day strike from 7am on Friday 25 July until 7am on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
Organised by the British Medical Association (BMA), the strike aims to pressure the government into restoring pay to 2008 levels in real terms—a demand equating to a 29% pay rise.
Why are resident doctors striking?
Resident doctors argue that their real-terms pay has been eroded by over a decade of below-inflation wage increases. According to the BMA, doctors have experienced a cumulative 26% loss in real pay since 2008. They’re now calling for full pay restoration to match the value of their work and to support the sustainability of the profession.
“We’re simply asking for pay that reflects the work we do and the responsibility we carry,” said Dr Tom Dolphin, BMA Chair of the resident doctors committee.
Government’s response: a standoff over pay
The UK Government has offered a 5.4% pay increase for 2025–26 on top of previous awards that total nearly 29% over the last three years. But the BMA has made it clear: the 29% figure is non-negotiable - though they are open to a phased approach.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has rejected further negotiations, stating that more strikes will harm NHS recovery and frustrate the British public.
How will the strike affect NHS services?
The July 2025 resident doctors strike is expected to result in thousands of appointment and procedure cancellations, placing extra pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
Recent NHS data showed waiting lists dropping to 7.36 million in May 2025, the lowest since 2022. NHS England warns that this fragile progress could be reversed by industrial action.
Public opinion and expert reaction
Support for NHS doctors has historically been high, but recent polling suggests a shift in sentiment. A July survey showed that only 39% of the public now support the strike action - down from over 60% during previous walkouts in 2023 (The Guardian Opinion).
The strike has also prompted criticism from within the medical community. Renowned fertility expert Professor Robert Winston recently resigned from the BMA, calling the action “highly dangerous” and inappropriate during an NHS recovery phase.
Voices from the front line
To see how real NHS staff feel, watch this Tiktok from @drsummer, one of our customers.
What is a resident doctor?
If you're wondering about the new terminology, "resident doctor" is the updated name for what used to be known as junior doctors. These are fully qualified medical professionals in training, often working in hospitals, with responsibility for direct patient care.
The term was officially introduced in 2024 to better reflect the level of expertise and commitment involved in the role.
Could more NHS strikes be coming?
The BMA has not ruled out further action later in 2025 if the government fails to offer a meaningful path to full pay restoration. Other healthcare unions are also watching closely- if resident doctors succeed, more NHS staff groups could follow with similar demands (The Guardian).
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Dates | 25–30 July 2025 |
| Who’s Striking | Resident doctors in England (BMA members) |
| Reason | Demand for 29% pay rise (pay restoration) |
| Government Offer | 5.4% for 2025–26 (c. 29% total since 2022) |
| Impact | Thousands of cancellations, NHS under pressure |
| Public Opinion | Support dropping – currently around 39% |
The July 2025 doctors strike in the UK is shaping up to be one of the most significant moments in the ongoing NHS pay dispute. While the BMA remains firm in its call for pay restoration, the government appears equally resolute in resisting demands they deem unaffordable.
What happens next could redefine not only the future of resident doctors in England, but the entire NHS pay structure.
FAQs
1. When is the UK doctors strike happening?
The resident doctors strike in England will run from 25–30 July 2025.
2. Why are UK doctors striking in July 2025?
They are demanding a 29% pay rise to restore pay to 2008 levels in real terms.
3. Will NHS appointments be cancelled?
Yes. NHS England expects widespread disruption and thousands of cancellations during the strike.
4. What’s the government offering doctors?
A 5.4% rise for 2025–26, which doctors say falls far short of pay restoration.