Resident doctors in England have voted to accept the government's latest pay and reform package, bringing an end to one of the longest-running industrial disputes in NHS history.
The agreement concludes a period of sustained industrial action that began in 2023 and saw 16 rounds of strikes disrupt hospital services across England, leading to the postponement of hundreds of thousands of appointments and operations.
Members of the resident doctors' union narrowly approved the offer, providing NHS organisations with greater certainty as they continue efforts to reduce waiting lists and improve patient access to care.
The deal includes a 3.5 per cent pay rise for the 2026/27 financial year, alongside further pay improvements planned for April 2027. It also contains commitments to review training pathways, career progression and working conditions for junior medical staff.
Health leaders have welcomed the result, saying it marks an important step towards restoring stability across the health service. NHS trusts have faced significant operational challenges during the dispute, with hospitals forced to reschedule elective procedures and redeploy senior clinicians to maintain emergency services during strike periods.
The government said the agreement strikes a balance between recognising the contribution of resident doctors and ensuring the long-term sustainability of public finances. Ministers also expressed hope that the settlement would allow the NHS to focus fully on delivering improvements for patients rather than managing industrial action.
Medical leaders have stressed that, while the pay dispute has been resolved, wider workforce challenges remain. Recruitment, retention, staff wellbeing and increasing demand for healthcare services will continue to require long-term investment and reform if the NHS is to meet future pressures.
With industrial action now expected to cease, NHS organisations will be able to concentrate on recovering elective services, reducing treatment backlogs and delivering the government's wider ambitions to improve healthcare performance. The agreement is widely viewed as a significant milestone in rebuilding workforce relations and providing greater confidence for both NHS staff and patients."
