On 22 May, the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) report recommended a pay uplift of 4 per cent. This led to increased dissatisfaction amongst resident doctors who are now exercising their right to take industrial action.
Following this report, resident doctors in England voted in a 6-week ballot which ran from 27 May until 7 July. 26,766 of those who took part in the ballot endorsed the use of strike action as part of efforts to restore pay. The result of the ballot means that resident doctors have a fresh mandate for industrial action. That mandate will last from now until January 2026.
A full walkout of resident doctors is scheduled to start from 7 am on Friday 25 July until 7 am on Wednesday 30 July. The PDA wants a fair pay settlement for everyone employed by the NHS, and to see an NHS that can recruit and retain enough of the right staff to provide safe and appropriate care for all patients.
Although the PDA sends a message of solidarity to resident doctors who are striking, it is also aware that some hospital pharmacists may have concerns during the industrial action. These concerns may include being asked to carry out additional tasks or duties while their resident doctor colleagues take part in lawful industrial action.
PDA members with any concerns are encouraged to read these briefing documents:
- What to do when faced with an industrial action picket line
- PDA update on industrial action: why, how, and when strikes are called
If they have further queries they can contact the PDA Member Support Centre.
Patient safety and care will always be the priority for pharmacists. The PDA will continue to remind members in any setting that they should practice within their training and competency, and their defined role and job description.
Those taking lawful industrial action should also be assured that PDA Union members will not undertake the work that those on strike would normally have carried out if this is at all avoidable.
Employers at other health locations, such as community pharmacy or GP practices, especially those in close proximity to any location where industrial action is talking place, should also consider the potential for an increased volume of patients seeking support as a consequence of the industrial action and ensure that they are suitably resourced.
Learn more
- What to do when faced with an industrial action picket line
- PDA update on industrial action: why, how, and when strikes are called
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