The words to use
- Resident doctor
- A doctor in postgraduate training below consultant or GP level, from the foundation years to specialty training. The older name was junior doctor.
- Pay restoration
- The BMA's goal of returning doctors' pay to its 2008 value after inflation. In April 2026 the BMA said pay was 21% below that level.
- DDRB
- The Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration. It recommends yearly pay rises, and the government decides whether to accept them. It recommended 3.5% for 2026/27.
- Derogation
- An agreed exception that lets striking doctors return to work for patient safety. For resident doctors in England, the BMA had to agree it nationally.
- Strike mandate
- A ballot result that makes strike action lawful for a set period. In January 2026, 93.4% of voting resident doctors said yes, on a 52.5% turnout.
