Thousands of junior doctors in England's NHS launched a five-day strike over pay, disrupting patient care. The British Medical Association claims a 20% real-terms pay cut since 2008, citing examples where assistants earn more than resident doctors. While the government offered a 28.9% increase and discussions on working conditions, the union rejected the offer and continues its strike action, causing significant delays to appointments and procedures, further impacting the NHS backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Starmer urged a return to work.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.