Resident doctors' guide to industrial action in Scotland

Time out of training (TOOT) and strike dates

Location: Scotland
Audience: Resident doctors
Updated: Tuesday 16 December 2025
Topics: Pay and contracts, Pay
  1. For those in Foundation Year 1 and 2, if you take more than 20 days out of training (when you would normally be at work), this may lead to a review of overall performance and achievement of curricular outcomes, but does not mean an automatic extension to training. Provided that outcomes are being met, there would be no justification to extend training as a result of taking industrial action.
  2. For those in Core/Speciality training, if you take more than 14 days out of training (when you would normally be at work), this may lead to a review of overall performance and achievement of curricular outcomes. Provided that outcomes are being met, there would be no justification to extend core training programme end dates, or CCT dates, as a result of taking industrial action.

FY1s generally must complete 12 months of training (full time equivalent) before being eligible for a Certificate of Experience and to apply for full GMC registration. The GMC supports foundation school directors implementing this requirement flexibly to reflect (including in any reviews) the nature and history of absence, the timing and the effect of the absence on achieving the necessary outcomes. The focus should be on meeting the outcomes and the competence required by FY1 doctors.

Read our full guidance

 

Strike dates

BMA Scottish resident doctor committee (SRDC) will inform resident doctors in Scotland in advance of any planned strike dates.

Please note, if you are on a zero day, study or annual leave during a strike day, these days do not count as time out of training (TOOT).

 

Still have questions?

 

If you can't find the information you need in this guide, send us your questions and we will add the answers to this guidance.

 

Or contact us if you have a question about your personal circumstances.