NHS resident doctors across England began a six-day strike on Tuesday 7 April 2026, running through to Sunday 13 April and covering the entire Easter bank holiday weekend. The walkout, organised by the British Medical Association, marks the 15th round of industrial action by doctors in three years and has drawn sharp criticism from NHS England’s chief executive, who described the timing as deliberately calculated to “cause maximum disruption.”
What Is the Strike About?
The dispute centres on pay. The BMA rejected the government’s offer of a 4.9% average rise in basic pay for 2026 — a figure ministers argue would leave doctors 35.2% better off than four years ago. The BMA counters that resident doctors’ earnings have fallen 20% in real terms since 2008 against the Retail Price Index, and it is pushing for a 26% increase to restore pay to its pre-austerity real value. Record numbers of doctors are emigrating to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada where pay and conditions are significantly better.
Why Is the Easter Timing So Controversial?
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard accused the BMA of deliberately striking over Easter to maximise disruption, pointing out that bank holidays already stretch NHS staffing. The financial cost of the 15 rounds of industrial action over three years has been estimated at over £3 billion in agency staff cover and lost productivity.
Which Services Are Affected?
- A&E departments: Open and staffed throughout the strike
- GP practices: Operating with reduced Easter holiday hours
- Planned operations: Some may be rescheduled where safety requires
- NHS 111: Available 24/7 for advice and guidance
- Maternity services: Continuing normally throughout
Government Position
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged the BMA to return to the negotiating table, describing the 4.9% offer as “fair and affordable.” The BMA has said further strike action remains likely unless the government moves substantially on pay. With no fresh talks scheduled ahead of Easter, there is little sign of an early resolution.
Patient Advice
Patients with existing appointments should keep them unless specifically contacted. Those needing urgent advice should call NHS 111 rather than attending A&E directly. People on regular medications should ensure they have adequate supplies before the bank holiday weekend begins. Hospitals are legally required to maintain all life-saving care regardless of industrial action.
What Comes Next?
The BMA has indicated further rounds of action are likely if the government does not move substantially on pay. Survey data consistently shows a majority of the public understands the pay argument even when frustrated by the disruption, which gives the BMA political cover to continue the dispute. Health Secretary Streeting, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure from NHS trusts who say the repeated strikes are making long-term workforce planning almost impossible.