Industrial action in the NHS - advice and FAQs for members

About

Some of our members have raised questions with us about what industrial action means for them. We have outlined the key information and signposts to other organisations for further support.

This web page contains:

• links to advice from the regulators
• signposting to the range of unions' websites and key information from them 
• answers as far as possible to the frequently asked questions 
• link to our practical advice for resident doctors and SAS doctors who are worried about industrial action.

We hope you will find this helpful at this time, and we will keep this web page updated as and when we have any further information.

Advice from the regulators

General Medical Council (GMC)

• The majority of our UK members are regulated by the General Medical Council. The GMC set out a short briefing about industrial action on its ethical hub. It also has further information on working under pressure.
• This briefing highlights the good medical practice guidance and key considerations, responsibilities of employers, how to tackle challenging situations using professional judgement and working collaboratively with teams.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

• The NMC, as the regulatory body for nurses, nursing associates and midwives, published a briefing for these health professionals with FAQs on their views around the NMC Code and fitness to practice. It also highlights that employers will provide guidance for staff who work during the time.

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• HCPC regulates a range of professionals and staff groups across the NHS. It has a short briefing for registrants with key information linking to their standards and a set of FAQs. 

Additional key organisations and resources

The British Medical Association (BMA)

The BMA represents members across the UK, and continues to discuss terms, conditions and pay with respective governments.

• You can find out more about the current status of strike action on their website, and the BMA's advice to members.
• Currently junior doctors and trainees in England are due to be taking industrial from 14 June to Saturday 17 June.
• Consultants in England are being balloted on industrial action. Should this go ahead, press are reporting it would take place from 20 to 21 July.
• In Scotland, junior doctors rejected the 14.5% offer over two years and will go on strike between 12 and 15 July.

The Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association

• The HSCA undertook industrial action from 11 to 15 April 2023. They are now re-balloting members about further action. You can find out more on their the HSCA website.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

• The RCN balloted members in late 2022, and have taken forward their first stage of strikes across the UK.
• You can find out more on the RCN website and on their 'strike hub' which contains a list of where strike action will take place, answers to FAQs, information for volunteers, and wider.

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

• The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (the Academy) is the membership body for the UK and Ireland's 24 medical royal colleges and faculties, including RCPCH. In July 2025, it published a statement on industrial action.

NHS Employers 

• This is the representative body for NHS employers, and includes a range of advice and information for that group on industrial action.
• This includes guidance, resources and FAQs from Capsticks on industrial action and the responsibilities of employers. 
• There is a page of information to support the health and wellbeing of NHS staff during industrial action, and a management guide for managers
• There is also a flowchart on the approach to industrial action (PDF). 

Frequently asked questions

What is RCPCH’s role in industrial action?

• As a Royal College, we are a membership organisation but not a union or employer. Our core focus remains providing standards of care, education, training and supporting our members as well as supporting equitable health of children and young people across the UK and globally.
• Within the remit that we hold, and as a charitable organisation, we have continued to call on Governments across the UK for change, including new evidenced-based workforce plans, actions to tackle child poverty across the UK, support for safeguarding and action on rising waiting lists and mental health post pandemic. You can find out more about these on our news pages.

Where can I find out more information on doctors’ contracts and pay negotiations?

• Information on the 2023 pay round and what this means for doctors in the NHS can be found on the BMA website.

I am on a work visa - can I take industrial action?

• Everyone in the UK has a right to take lawful industrial action, as outlined and defined by government in their FAQs. We suggest you speak with your union to discuss any personal circumstances or questions in more detail, and potentially your employer. The BMA has outlined some key information for VISA holders, including a phone number and online chat you can use if you have any further questions beyond those on their website. 
• Furthermore, the BMA has held a webinar with a legal expert firm to support junior doctors and trainees who are international medical graduates. This can be watched on their website here.

Practical advice for resident doctors and SAS doctors 

• Our Trainee Committee received a number of specific questions from resident doctors and SAS doctors about the potential impact of industrial on training. Our practical advice helps paediatric trainees navigate the current environment, including:
  • information to support trainees as nurses and advanced clinical practitioners consider strike action 
  • some advice from paediatricians on how trainees can continue their training during any periods of industrial action, or severe service disruption.