DEVELOPING: Resident Doctors Launch Urgent Strike Over Critical Jobs Shortage

Breaking News: Resident Doctors Launch Urgent Strike Over Jobs Shortage Newly qualified doctors in England have voted to go on strike over a critical shortage of training places, with thousands facing uncertain futures. The British Medical Association (BMA) union reports that 97% of first-year resident doctors who voted backed strike action, with a turnout of 65%. This mandate opens the door for industrial action, which could impact patient care in hospitals across England. According to BMA figures, there were 10,000 jobs available this year, but only a fraction of applicants secured places. The shortage is most acute in specialties like psychiatry, where fewer than 500 out of over 10,000 applicants were successful. The issue has been ongoing for months, with talks between the BMA and government failing to yield a solution. Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, said: "Doctors have spoken clearly - they won't accept that they face a career of insecurity at a time when the demand for doctors is huge." The strike action could begin as early as next week, although the exact timing and details are still to be confirmed. Hospitals across England are bracing themselves for potential disruptions, with patients and staff on high alert. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*