Industrial action in the NHS

Multiple unions are taking industrial action in the NHS, or are formally balloting members on strike action. We recognise that taking industrial action is a personal choice. To support our members this section includes links to key information, frequently asked questions and advice for members including trainees and SAS doctors.

Resources for the current service pressures and industrial action

As a Royal College we are dedicated to the paediatric workforce and the health of children and young people in the UK and globally. Children and young people need to be cared for by a workforce that feels valued, invested in and fully supported.

The 2022 GMC Survey provides evidence of increasing workload and rates of burnout amongst our paediatric trainee doctors across the UK. We all know that the continued slow erosion of the healthy workforce is unsustainable and ultimately jeopardises the safe provision of care for children and young people.

We are working on behalf of our members, taking every opportunity to call on Government for support for the paediatric workforce in our role as a medical royal college. We want to see a fully funded and multi-year workforce plan, immediate action to support our doctors now and longer-term solutions spanning all elements of child health and wellbeing services.

Strike action is a personal choice, and one to be made in terms of the individual’s own work, environment, and union. We know our members will not be taking the decision lightly. Government must make every effort possible to bring this to a speedy conclusion.

We have provided resources for our members in response to their frequently asked questions during this time - see below links.

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Frequently asked questions for members

Some of our members have raised questions with us about what industrial action means for them. We outline key information and signpost other organisations for support.

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For trainees and SAS doctors

We provide practical advice on how you can continue your training during any periods of service disruption - from managing your ePortfolio, being flexible around reflections and working with training units and schools to ensure your training needs are met.

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RCPCH statements on the announcements of industrial action from doctors’ unions

In June, the British Medical Association announced that consultants in England voted to take industrial action. They have confirmed dates of the 48-hour potential strike: 20-21 July. 

In February, the BMA confirmed that junior doctors and trainees in England voted to take strike action.