Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?

Resident doctors in England have begun a six-day strike after rejecting the government’s latest pay offer.

The British Medical Association says the action runs from 7am on Tuesday 7 April to 6.59am on Monday 13 April 2026. NHS England has confirmed the industrial action window and warned that services will be disrupted.

The dispute is mainly about pay, but it is also tied to wider concerns about jobs and training opportunities. The BMA says resident doctors have faced years of pay erosion, while the government says it put forward a fresh offer that would have given resident doctors an average basic pay uplift of 4.9% in 2026/27.

So how much do resident doctors earn? Government pay material says the average full-time basic pay for resident doctors is expected to be about £54,300 in 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by training stage, and many doctors earn extra through additional work or enhanced rates.

Resident doctors are doctors in postgraduate training, covering roles that used to be described as junior doctors. They make up a large part of the NHS workforce, which is why even a short strike can create pressure across hospitals and outpatient services.

The latest walkout is part of a long-running pay dispute between the profession, the government and NHS leaders. Talks broke down after the latest offer was rejected, bringing the new round of action into effect this week.