Resident doctors accept last-minute pay deal to end months of NHS strike chaos

Resident doctors across England have backed a government offer on pay and working conditions, marking the conclusion of industrial action that has disrupted NHS services in recent months.

The ballot, which also included final-year medical students, secured approval with 52.9 per cent voting in favour of the deal.

Turnout stood at 57 per cent, according to the British Medical Association. The result was notably tight, with 47.1 per cent of participants rejecting the proposed terms.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the outcome brings strike action to an end.

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The agreement represents a significant moment for the health service, which has faced considerable pressure from repeated walkouts during the prolonged dispute over remuneration and employment conditions.

Health Secretary James Murray hailed the outcome as a welcome development for the entire health service.

"This is very good news for resident doctors, patients and the NHS as a whole, allowing us to draw a line under the disruption of previous months and focus on getting on with the job of rebuilding our health service," he said.

Mr Murray stressed that the settlement would deliver tangible benefits for medical staff, including enhanced pay structures and improved opportunities for career advancement.

He noted that patients would find reassurance in the prospect of greater stability within the NHS. However, the Health Secretary acknowledged that challenges remain ahead.

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"But this is the beginning, not the end of the journey," he stated, pledging continued collaboration with healthcare workers and their union representatives.

The package secures an average pay uplift of 6.6 per cent, with full implementation scheduled for April 2027.

Locally employed medics will receive standard 2016 resident doctor contract terms as part of the settlement.

Beyond remuneration, the deal encompasses a range of improvements to support doctors as they progress through their training rotations.

Mr Murray expressed his determination to maintain productive dialogue with the medical profession going forward.

"I know there is much more to do, and I am determined to keep working constructively with resident doctors, all NHS staff, and the unions who represent them to improve their working lives and together build a health service that is fit for the future," he said.

The agreement marks a turning point after months of difficult negotiations between ministers and medical representatives.

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