A UK resident doctor shares her take-home pay ahead of a five-day strike starting July 25, sparking debate over junior doctor wages and working conditions.
Resident Doctors’ Pay Disclosure Sparks Outcry Ahead of Strike
A UK resident doctor has gone viral after revealing her monthly salary just days before junior doctors across England plan to begin a five-day strike on July 25. The disclosure has intensified public debate around healthcare pay and working conditions.
Sharing Her Story
The doctor, known as Imogen, is in her first year of foundation training and recently posted a TikTok video outlining her earnings. Her base annual salary is £36,616, translating to £17.56 per hour. Her latest payslip included £362.35 for overtime and £152.57 for weekend shifts. After deductions of £1,051, her take-home pay amounted to £2,514.56.
Wage Discrepancy Over Time
Imogen compared her 2024 earnings to a 2005 payslip from Dr. Elena Mucci, which reflected a net income of £2,416. The minimal £98.83 difference over nearly two decades has raised concerns about what the British Medical Association (BMA) describes as “pay erosion.”
Strike Plans and Union Demands
Junior doctors, now known as resident doctors, will begin industrial action on July 25 at 7 a.m., continuing for five days. The strike, organized by the BMA, aims to push for a 29.2% salary increase. The union argues that inflation and stagnant wages have significantly eroded real income since 2008.
Public Reaction
Imogen’s video prompted mixed reactions. While many viewers expressed shock at the low wages given the demanding nature of the job, others viewed the pay as fair considering the long-term earning potential and benefits. One commenter remarked, “Doctors should be the highest paid people,” while another stated, “£36K for first year with great future prospects isn’t bad.”
Government Response
The UK government has so far refused to renegotiate this year’s pay deal. The Chancellor described the package as “fair and generous,” citing an annual £29 billion increase in NHS investment. She voiced disappointment over the planned strike, warning it could disrupt patient care and undermine progress in reducing waiting times.
