Britons Oppose Senior Doctor Strikes, Poll Reveals Amidst Union Funding

More than half of Britons oppose the planned strike action by senior National Health Service (NHS) doctors, according to a poll released on October 28, 2026. The figures emerged as health unions have accumulated significant funds to support potential walkouts.

The YouGov poll found that 58 percent of the public either 'strongly' or 'somewhat' oppose the consultants' strike, scheduled for November 25 and 26. In contrast, 31 percent expressed support for the industrial action. Opposition to the strikes was notably higher among older demographics, with 77 percent of those aged 65 and over expressing disapproval, compared to 29 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds.

This opposition comes as reports indicate that a significant portion of senior NHS doctors earn substantial salaries. Data shows that the top 5 percent of highest-paid NHS consultants earned an average of £223,518 in the year leading up to April, with the next best-paid 5 percent averaging £203,810. Approximately 6,000 of the 66,759 consultants in the NHS are estimated to be earning £200,000 or more annually.

Further analysis of financial reports from health unions reveals substantial reserves designated for industrial action. The British Medical Association (BMA) increased its 'industrial action fund' by a third, bringing it to £1.3 million from £1 million. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reported a strike fund of £35 million in its latest accounts. These funds could potentially be used to offset lost pay or other costs incurred by striking medical professionals.

In response to the planned strikes, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper described the action as 'very disappointing' and deemed industrial action over the winter period 'irresponsible.' Shadow health secretary Damian Hinds criticized the government's handling of the situation, stating, 'Labour has given in to the BMA while failing to ensure minimum service levels are properly implemented.' He added that 'Ministers must make clear that rewarding staff cannot come at the expense of patients.' The Conservative party has indicated a potential ban on doctors' strikes to prevent patient risk.

The BMA claims that consultants have experienced a 25 percent real-terms pay cut over the last 17 years and that their current demands would cost taxpayers between £2 billion and £3 billion. The union stated that only 52 percent of eligible consultants voted in the ballot, with 13,695 voting in favor of striking.

Despite the industrial action, hospitals have confirmed that emergency cover will be maintained, with staffing levels comparable to Christmas Day during the strike periods. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have indicated that significant pay increases are not feasible without 'difficult trade-offs,' potentially leading to service cuts or extended waiting times for patients.

The YouGov poll surveyed 12,544 adults between October 27 and October 28, 2026.