Junior doctors across Lincolnshire have reignited their strike for fairer wages, unsatisfied with the government's offer of a 5% pay increase.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) armed themselves with picket signs as they embarked on a 72-hour industrial action at 7am yesterday, Wednesday 14 June, outside Lincoln County Council, arguing that their current hourly rate of £14.09 is simply inadequate.

They contend that the government's offer falls well short, given a 26% pay cut they've suffered since 2008.

Foundation year one doctor Becky Bates claims the NHS is "haemorrhaging" doctors as a result.

She continued: "Our first action in March led us to negotiations and our second action in April led to us an offer.

"Unfortunately that offer was essentially 5%, which does absolutely nothing in the context of inflation this year but also in the context of the wider pay degradation we've seen over the last 10 or 15 years."

Support for the junior doctors was palpable throughout the day, with cars honking in solidarity and some even offering food and water to those on the picket line amidst the blistering heat.

Despite the 72-hour strike, Becky reassured that consultants and associate specialists remain available to assist those seeking help in the hot weather.

She added: "We would all prefer to be in work but the reality is we feel that the NHS needs us to do it in order to survive longer term.

"I do appreciate that it's hot today but even when it's cold and snowing, we are having patients admitted with hypothermia from their own homes because of the decisions this government has made, so I don't think there is any weather where we are thriving unfortunately."

Ms Bates warned that if a resolution isn't reached, they would hold further action in July.

The junior doctors' strike continues this week. Image credit: LDRS.

Fellow foundation year one doctor Billy Finn said: "We've had a really good turnout today, I think the nice weather helps, but people have really been galvanised by this offer that came down from the health secretary of 5%, which just isn't a credible offer at all really.

"We were initially striking for a conversation to be had, but we wanted that to be a dialogue that was had in good faith in a way that something constructive was going to come of it – ultimately we didn't really get that.

"I would rather be in there, I would rather be at work. We can laugh and joke about how it's nice weather outside but ultimately I'd rather be in there doing the job I trained five years to do.

"But there needs to be some appropriate pay for the level of responsibility I hold."

Mr Finn's dedication to his role was evident when he later rushed to assist a passerby who collapsed a few feet from the hospital entrance.

In response to the action, Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: "It is extremely disappointing the BMA is going ahead with further strike action.

"This 72-hour walkout will put patient safety and our efforts to cut waiting lists at risk.

"During recent meetings with representatives of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, we made a fair and reasonable opening offer and were discussing both pay and non-pay issues until they chose to end the talks by announcing new strike dates.

"If the BMA cancels these damaging and disruptive strikes and shows a willingness to move significantly from their position, we can resume confidential talks and find a way forward, as we have done with other unions.

"People should attend appointments unless told otherwise by the NHS, continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and use NHS 111 online services for non-urgent health needs."