Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Junior doctors accept 22.3 per cent pay rise, strikes end

The agreement was reached after months of walkouts and protests by doctors over pay conditions.

The strikes caused over 1.5 million appointments to be cancelled, delaying treatments for many patients. (Photo: Getty Images)
The strikes caused over 1.5 million appointments to be cancelled, delaying treatments for many patients. (Photo: Getty Images)

JUNIOR doctors in England have agreed to a 22.3 per cent pay rise offered by the government, bringing an end to a series of strikes that impacted patient care across the National Health Service (NHS).

The agreement was reached after months of walkouts and protests by doctors over pay conditions, which had been affected by inflation and cost-of-living pressures.


The British Medical Association (BMA) announced on Monday that 66 per cent of junior doctors, who are below consultant level, voted in favour of the government’s proposal. The pay increase is set to be implemented over two years, marking a significant breakthrough in a long-running dispute over wage erosion since 2010.

"It should never have taken so long to get here," said the co-chairs of the BMA’s Junior Doctors' Committee, Robert Laurenson and Vivek Trivedi. They highlighted the deal as “the end of 15 years of pay erosion with the beginning of two years of modest above-inflation pay rises.” However, they added, “There is still a long way to go, with doctors remaining 20.8 per cent in real terms behind where we were in 2008.”

The strikes, which saw junior doctors take industrial action 11 times, were among several public and private sector walkouts triggered by rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis in the UK. The strikes caused over 1.5 million appointments to be cancelled, delaying treatments for many patients. Some junior doctors, who often have several years of experience, complained that their pay was effectively less than that of coffee shop workers.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the deal, acknowledging the strain caused by the strikes and blaming the previous Conservative government for the situation. "Things should never have been allowed to get this bad," he said. Streeting also agreed to rename junior doctors as “resident doctors” to better reflect their experience and expertise.

The Labour government, which came into power in July, moved quickly to address the strikes, proposing a substantial pay rise after several failed negotiations under the Conservative administration. The health department said that the prolonged dispute had "catastrophic impacts" on the economy and the nation’s health.

The pay changes are expected to be reflected in junior doctors’ November pay packets, with a doctor starting foundation training now set to earn £36,600, up from £32,400 prior to the deal.

As part of the agreement, the government has also committed to working with the BMA to streamline how junior doctors report additional hours worked, aiming to improve working conditions and ease administrative burdens.

With the deal in place, further strike action has been averted, particularly during the winter months when seasonal illnesses typically place extra pressure on the NHS.

(With inputs from agencies)

More For You

indira gandhi Emergency history

Indira Gandhi

Facebook

When Croydon met Alexandra Palace: Protesting Indira’s Emergency from London

Nitin Mehta

The former PM of India, Indira Gandhi, declared a state of emergency in 1975. In London, the newly formed Friends of India Society was organising protests and campaigning for the restoration of democracy. On Saturday, 24 April 1976, an international conference was held at Alexandra Palace.

Shiva Naipaul, the famous Trinidadian writer of Indian origin, wrote the following article in The London Times newspaper. Here is a brief summary of what he wrote:

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer and Glastonbury condemn anti-Israel chants by Bob Vylan

Keir Starmer speaks to members of the media during a visit to RAF Valley, on Anglesey in north-west Wales, on June 27, 2025. PAUL CURRIE/Pool via REUTERS

Starmer and Glastonbury condemn anti-Israel chants by Bob Vylan

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and Glastonbury organisers said on Sunday (29) they were appalled by on-stage chanting against the Israeli military during a performance at the festival by Punk-rap duo Bob Vylan.

During their show on Saturday (28), the duo chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defense Forces, the formal name of the Israeli military.

Keep ReadingShow less
Charli XCX
After backlash at Glastonbury, Charli says autotune is a choice, not a flaw
BBC

Charli XCX slams ‘boomer’ autotune critics after Glastonbury: ‘Not having a band doesn’t make me fake’

Quick highlights:

  • Charli XCX criticised certain fans for attacking her autotuned vocals at Glastonbury 2025.
  • Called the backlash “the most boring take ever” in a series of posts on X.
  • Defended her artistic choices, saying divisive art is often the most impactful.
  • Her Brat set clashed with Neil Young’s headline act, drawing polarising reactions.

Charli XCX has addressed criticism over her use of autotune during her Glastonbury 2025 performance, calling out the ageist tone of comments that questioned her authenticity as a performer. The singer clapped back on X, brushing off the noise as outdated and out of touch.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor Saif stabbing

Kareena Kapoor gets emotional discussing Saif’s stabbing incident in an interview with Barkha Dutt

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor says Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing still haunts her: ‘I didn’t sleep for months’

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor has spoken out for the first time about Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing.
  • Saif was attacked at home in January 2025 during a burglary attempt.
  • Their sons, Taimur and Jeh, witnessed the violent episode.
  • Kareena says the family is still coping but trying to move forward together.

Actor Kareena Kapoor has opened up for the first time about the terrifying night her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was stabbed by an intruder at their Mumbai home. In a deeply personal interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Kareena admitted that the incident left her shaken and sleepless for months, especially with their children, Taimur and Jeh, present during the attack.

Keep ReadingShow less
Glastonbury 2025

Top 8 moments that defined Glastonbury 2025

Getty Images/ BBC

Top 8 Glastonbury 2025 moments including Olivia & Robert’s duet, Rod & Ronnie’s reunion, Lewis Capaldi’s comeback & more

Quick highlights:

  • Olivia Rodrigo brought out Robert Smith for a surprise goth-pop duet on the Pyramid Stage.
  • Rod Stewart reunited with Ronnie Wood during a crowd-pleasing Legends Slot performance.
  • Lewis Capaldi made an emotional surprise return after his 2023 setback.
  • Political controversy erupted with Kneecap and Bob Vylan’s provocative sets.
  • Scissor Sisters and Sir Ian McKellen delivered one of the festival’s most unexpected collaborations.
  • Charli XCX closed out her Brat era by burning her backdrop and owning the Other Stage.
  • Neil Young gave a stripped-back set with no visuals and all heart.
  • Pulp’s secret “Patchwork” set was a nostalgic Britpop masterstroke.


  • Keep ReadingShow less