Resident doctors in England have once again voted in favour of strike action, in the latest chapter in a long-running pay dispute.

The doctors, previously known as junior doctors, were awarded a 5.4% pay rise for this financial year, following a 22% increase over the previous two years.

But the British Medical Association says wages are still around 20% lower in real terms than in 2008 and are demanding “pay restoration”.

Nearly 48,000 staff could now take part in new walkouts, although the union said it would seek fresh talks with the government before announcing strike days.