"UK Doctors Launch Historic Strike as Public Sector Pay Recommendations Accepted"

The UK government has announced pay increases for public sector workers, including doctors and teachers, in an attempt to resolve strikes caused by a cost-of-living crisis. Junior doctors have begun a five-day strike demanding a 35% pay rise to address falling real wages. The government has accepted recommendations for pay hikes, offering doctors a 6% increase and a lump-sum payment, while teachers will receive a 6.5% raise. The pay increases are below the current inflation rate of 8.7%. The strike by junior doctors is the longest in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), with patient waiting lists at record highs. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for pay to be restored to 2008 levels. The government's offer is likely to anger trade unions, who argue that school and hospital budgets cannot sustain wage increases without cutting spending in other areas.