Junior doctors in the UK are currently engaged in strikes while research reveals they could stand to gain a significant pension upon retirement. According to analysis by Quilter, a wealth management firm, these doctors could receive an annual pension of nearly £125,000 if they begin their NHS careers at age 23 and retire at 65.
The NHS pension scheme is characterized as “generous,” offering a guaranteed income of 1.85 percent each year, which increases with inflation by an additional 1.5 percent. For junior doctors starting their postgraduate training in foundation year one, salaries begin at £38,831, escalating to £73,992 for registrars in specialist training. This progression can potentially lead to a pension entitlement of £11,906 per year within just ten years of service.
Strikes by junior doctors, which began on November 22, 2025, are part of ongoing demands for a further 26 percent pay increase, following a 28.9 percent hike over the last three years. The latest walkout commenced at 07:00 GMT and is the thirteenth strike since March 2023. Previous strikes have had a substantial financial impact, with the last one estimated to have cost the NHS around £300 million.
NHS Chief Executive Sir James Mackey acknowledged the efforts of NHS staff during the strikes, noting that the service has maintained a high operational capacity, achieving 95 percent of planned activities. In his communication to NHS leaders, he commended the workforce for their resilience and adaptability during challenging times, despite variable turnout across the country.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the striking doctors, labeling their actions as “extremely irresponsible.” He expressed concern over the potential harm to patients, accusing the British Medical Association (BMA) of engaging in “cartel-like behaviour.” Speaking on LBC radio, Streeting urged doctors to recognize the adverse effects their strike actions have on patient care, suggesting that the situation could hinder the NHS’s recovery efforts.
The majority of junior doctors, who comprise about half of the medical workforce in the NHS, have accumulated extensive experience, with many having worked for up to eight years as hospital doctors or three years as general practitioners. During the last strike, the NHS had to cancel or reschedule over 54,000 procedures and appointments, although they still managed to maintain 93 percent of planned activities.
In response to the ongoing actions, the BMA agreed to a derogation for maternity services, allowing resident doctors to leave the strike when patient safety is at risk. This means that those working the labour ward at Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital were called in to cover shifts during the strike days.
Dr. Vishal Sharma, chair of the BMA pensions committee, criticized the modelling presented by Quilter as misleading. He contended that the assumptions used, such as a resident doctor working full-time for 43 years, do not reflect the realities faced by many in the medical field. He highlighted that factors such as stress, burnout, and the need for flexible working hours significantly affect their career trajectories and retirement plans.
As the strike continues, the debate over fair compensation for junior doctors and the sustainability of NHS operations remains at the forefront of public and political discourse. The juxtaposition of promising pension projections against the backdrop of ongoing industrial action underscores the complex challenges within the healthcare system.
