NORTHERN IRELAND — Resident doctors in Northern Ireland began a 24-hour strike over pay at 07:00 BST on Monday, 29 June 2026. The strike is scheduled to conclude at 06:59 BST on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

This action follows a strike by consultants and specialist doctors in Northern Ireland the week prior. That strike marked the first time these two groups had collectively taken such action in the region. Doctors' leaders previously rejected a recommended 3.5% pay uplift from an independent pay body.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt stated his commitment to implementing the year's pay award. However, Nesbitt added that he is unable to do so due to the absence of an agreed budget. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring Health and Social Care (HSC) colleagues receive their recommended 2026-2027 pay uplifts despite a budget shortfall, but said there is no scope for pay awards beyond the recommendations of the review bodies for 2026-2027. Nesbitt also said that exceeding the recommended 3.5% pay increase would have repercussions for various public sector workforces, including nurses, teachers, and police officers.

The British Medical Association (BMA) conducted a four-week ballot of its members regarding strike action. 92% of resident doctors voted in favor of the strike. Both consultants and SAS doctors also voted in favor, with 79% and 90% respectively supporting strike action.

Picket line demonstrations are underway at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Craigavon Area Hospital, and Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry. Dr. Steven Montgomery, Chair of the BMA's Northern Ireland resident doctors committee, said better pay and working conditions in other countries are contributing to doctors leaving Northern Ireland. Montgomery described the situation of increasing patient numbers without sufficient doctors as a "perfect storm for our health service." He said the government has the responsibility to engage urgently and present a credible way forward to avoid further strike action.

Dr. David Farren, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland consultants committee, said Northern Ireland doctors are the lowest paid in the British Isles. He described the resident doctor strike as a "full walk out," which would not include providing Christmas Day cover. Farren said consultants and specialist and associate specialist (SAS) doctors will adjust their daily activities to prioritize emergency and urgent care during the strike. He said the lack of pay parity has forced doctors to take unprecedented strike action after years of negotiations. He said there would undoubtedly be cancellations of operations, outpatient appointments, and elective care due to the strike, but affirmed that patient safety would still be prioritized. Farren described the current situation as an "existential threat to our health service" and noted that doctors have been attempting to work with the minister and the Department of Health to achieve pay parity.