Resident doctors in England have once again voted in favour of strike action, in the latest chapter in a long-running pay dispute.
The doctors, previously known as junior doctors, were awarded a 5.4% pay rise for this financial year, following a 22% increase over the previous two years.
But the British Medical Association says wages are still around 20% lower in real terms than in 2008 and are demanding “pay restoration”.
Ministers have previously said their door is open for talks on issues around working conditions but not on pay.
Nearly 48,000 staff could now take part in new walkouts, although the union said it would seek fresh talks with the government before announcing strike days.
The BMA said 90% of members had voted in favour of industrial action in the ballot on a turnout of 55%.
The co-chairs of the junior doctors committee, Ross Nieuwoudt and Melissa Ryan said there was still time to avert strike action.
“Our pay may have declined but our will to fight remains strong,” they said in a joint statement.
“All we need is a credible pay offer and nobody need strike.”
The union now has a mandate for possible industrial action for six months, up to January 2026.