Doctors in England commenced another round of industrial action on Tuesday as tensions with the government over pay and working conditions continue to escalate.

The six-day strike involves resident doctors, those below consultant level, and is expected to further strain the country’s healthcare system.

The latest action marks the Doctors’ 15th strike in just over three years.

The doctors previously secured a 28.9 per cent pay increase spread over three years following earlier strike actions.

However, members of the British Medical Association insist that the increment does not adequately address what they describe as a significant erosion of earnings due to inflation.

The union is demanding full pay restoration to 2008 levels, a request the government has repeatedly said is unrealistic under current economic conditions.

The UK government and the striking doctors remain locked in a standoff, particularly over the medics’ demand for further substantial pay increases.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the decision to proceed with the strike, describing it as unjustified in light of recent pay adjustments.

Speaking during an interview, Streeting said the doctors had benefited more than other public sector workers.

“They have been the standout winners of the entire public sector workforce when it comes to pay rises,” he said.

He also accused the union of rushing into strike action despite what he described as a “whopping” pay increase already granted.

The minister warned that the latest industrial action would come at a high cost to the healthcare system.

According to him, the strike is expected to cost the National Health Service about £300 million.

The dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the United Kingdom, which has intensified demands for higher wages across multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, the government has made some concessions, including agreeing to prioritise UK-trained doctors for training placements over overseas applicants, one of the union’s key demands.

Despite this, both sides appear far from reaching a resolution, raising concerns about prolonged disruption to healthcare services across England.