NHS may have to cut jobs if strike action over pay continues

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"The NHS could be forced to cut frontline staff, along with patient appointments and operations, if doctors' strikes persist, health leaders have warned. This stark warning comes as thousands of resident doctors across England begin a five-day walkout from Friday morning, in an ongoing dispute over pay. The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represent health trusts, stated that the continued industrial action is placing immense pressure on already stretched budgets."

"This latest action marks the 13th walkout by doctors since March 2023, with the previous strike in July alone estimated to have cost the health service 300 million. The organisations cautioned that if the NHS continues to bear the financial burden of these disputes, it could necessitate reductions in staff, alongside fewer tests, appointments, and operations. The groups highlighted the severe knock-on impact for patients, who would face longer waits for care, potentially leaving many unable to work without essential treatment."

The Independent reports across a range of topics and seeks donations to fund on-the-ground reporting while keeping content free of paywalls. Donations enable continued investigative work and documentaries and support sending journalists to cover diverse perspectives. In England, thousands of resident doctors have begun a five-day strike over pay, marking the 13th walkout since March 2023. Health leaders warn that repeated industrial action is imposing significant financial pressure on the NHS, already stretched budgets, and that continued disputes could force reductions in staff, tests, appointments, and operations, worsening waiting lists and patient outcomes.

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