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Public support for doctor strikes is declining - YouGov poll

Public Support for Doctor Strikes Wanes Amid Ongoing NHS Disputes, YouGov Poll Reveals

In a significant shift that could reshape the landscape of industrial action within the UK's National Health Service (NHS), a recent YouGov poll has uncovered a notable decline in public backing for strikes by doctors. The survey, which gauged opinions across a broad spectrum of the British population, highlights growing frustrations with the prolonged disruptions caused by walkouts, even as sympathy for the underlying grievances of healthcare workers persists. This development comes at a critical juncture for the British Medical Association (BMA) and other unions, as they navigate ongoing pay disputes with the government, raising questions about the sustainability of their campaign strategies.

The poll, conducted by the respected research firm YouGov, involved over 2,000 adults and painted a picture of eroding enthusiasm for industrial action. According to the findings, support for strikes by junior doctors has dropped to around 45%, down from a high of over 60% in previous surveys conducted during the height of the disputes last year. This represents a stark reversal from the initial waves of solidarity that greeted the strikes, which began in earnest in 2022 amid demands for better pay, improved working conditions, and measures to address chronic staff shortages in the NHS. The data suggests that while a majority of the public still believes doctors are underpaid and overworked, the cumulative impact of cancelled appointments, delayed surgeries, and strained emergency services is beginning to wear thin on public patience.

Delving deeper into the poll's nuances, it becomes evident that demographic factors play a role in shaping opinions. Younger respondents, particularly those under 35, continue to show stronger support for the strikes, with approval rates hovering around 55%. This group often cites empathy for the financial pressures faced by junior doctors, many of whom start their careers burdened by substantial student debt and low entry-level salaries that fail to keep pace with inflation. In contrast, older demographics, especially those over 65 who are more frequent users of NHS services, exhibit the sharpest decline in support, with only about 35% endorsing further action. These individuals frequently express concerns over the direct consequences of strikes, such as postponed treatments for chronic conditions or elective procedures, which have led to longer waiting lists and heightened anxiety among patients.

The poll also explored attitudes toward other healthcare professionals involved in similar disputes. For instance, support for nurse strikes has similarly dipped, though not as dramatically, standing at approximately 50%. This comparative analysis underscores a broader trend of fatigue with industrial unrest across the public sector, including recent actions by teachers, rail workers, and civil servants. Analysts suggest that the government's narrative framing strikes as disruptive to everyday life has gained traction, particularly in light of economic pressures like the cost-of-living crisis, where voters are increasingly prioritizing stability over solidarity.

Contextually, these strikes are rooted in a decade of austerity measures that have squeezed NHS funding and staff morale. Junior doctors, in particular, have argued that their real-terms pay has eroded by up to 26% since 2008, exacerbating burnout and prompting an exodus of talent to countries like Australia and Canada, where conditions are perceived as more favorable. The BMA has been vocal in its campaigns, organizing multiple rounds of strikes that have affected millions of patient appointments. Last year's walkouts, which included a historic six-day strike by junior doctors in England, were among the longest in NHS history and drew widespread media attention. However, the government's response has been firm, with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins repeatedly emphasizing the need for negotiations without preconditions, while accusing unions of holding patients "hostage" to their demands.

Union representatives have responded to the poll with a mix of defiance and concern. Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, acknowledged the findings but attributed the decline to "misinformation and government spin" rather than genuine public disillusionment. "The public understands that these strikes are a last resort to save the NHS from collapse," he stated in a recent interview. "We're fighting for a system that can deliver the care people deserve, not just for our pay packets." Trivedi pointed to internal surveys showing high morale among striking doctors, with many committed to continuing action until a fair pay deal is reached. The BMA has proposed a 35% pay uplift to restore lost earnings, a figure the government deems unaffordable amid fiscal constraints.

On the other side, government officials have seized on the poll as validation of their stance. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care described the results as "a clear message that the public wants an end to these damaging strikes." They highlighted ongoing talks and incremental offers, such as a 10% pay rise for junior doctors last year, which was rejected by the BMA. Critics, however, argue that the government's approach has been piecemeal, failing to address systemic issues like workforce planning and retention. Opposition figures from the Labour Party have called for mediated arbitration to break the deadlock, warning that prolonged disputes risk further damaging public trust in the NHS.

The implications of this declining support extend beyond the immediate pay battles. Experts warn that if public opinion continues to sour, unions may face increased pressure to de-escalate, potentially leading to concessions that fall short of their goals. Dr. Rachel Clarke, a prominent NHS doctor and author, reflected on the poll in a column, noting, "Strikes are a blunt instrument, but they're often the only one left when dialogue fails. Losing public support means we're fighting on two fronts – against the government and now against the very people we serve." This sentiment echoes broader debates about the ethics of industrial action in essential services, where the line between advocacy and disruption is finely drawn.

Moreover, the poll sheds light on regional variations within the UK. In Scotland and Wales, where devolved governments have negotiated separate deals with healthcare unions, support for strikes remains somewhat higher, at around 50-55%. This disparity highlights the fragmented nature of UK health policy, with England's NHS bearing the brunt of the unrest due to more protracted negotiations. In Northern Ireland, where political instability has compounded healthcare challenges, public attitudes are mixed, with many expressing frustration over underfunding rather than strikes per se.

Looking ahead, the poll could influence upcoming union ballots and government strategies. The BMA is set to consult members on potential further action, while ministers prepare for budget announcements that might include targeted NHS investments. Public health advocates argue that resolving these disputes is crucial not just for industrial peace but for the long-term viability of the NHS. With waiting lists at record highs – over 7.5 million in England alone – and staff vacancies numbering in the tens of thousands, the stakes are immense.

In essence, this YouGov poll serves as a barometer of a nation grappling with the tensions between empathy for overworked professionals and the practical realities of a strained healthcare system. As strikes persist, the challenge for all parties will be to rebuild consensus and find a path forward that prioritizes patient care without sacrificing the welfare of those who provide it. Whether this decline in support prompts a breakthrough in talks or entrenches positions further remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of NHS industrial relations.

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Read the Full The Irish News Article at:
[ https://www.irishnews.com/news/uk/public-support-for-doctor-strikes-is-declining-yougov-poll-F5UVURBMPZLBVGEWHAEDRRQFOA/ ]