In England, junior doctors have accepted the government’s offer of a 22% pay rise over two years, ending a long-running dispute. The British Medical Association announced that 66% of its members voted in favour of the deal. The dispute had lasted for 18 months and included 11 separate strikes by junior doctors. The offer included a 4% backdated pay rise for 2023-24, in addition to an average 9% increase for the previous financial year. A further pay rise of approximately 8% for 2024-25 was also offered, as recommended by an independent pay review body. This would mean an average increase of 22% for each junior doctor over two years, with the lowest-paid individuals set to receive the highest raises.
The British Medical Association has campaigned for a 35% pay increase, claiming that junior doctors have had years of below inflation pay raises. Industrial action in the NHS cost taxpayers £1.7 billion during 2023 and 2024. Junior doctors in Wales have recently agreed to an improved pay deal, and talks are ongoing in Northern Ireland, with no strike action planned. Scottish junior doctors accepted a pay deal from the devolved government last year, and did not take industrial action.
In addition to the pay deal, the title of junior doctor will be changed to resident doctors from Wednesday, marking acceptance by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The phrase junior doctor has been criticised by the British Medical Association for not reflecting the experience and standing of these doctors, some of whom can have eight or more years of experience in their roles.
The acceptance of the pay deal brings an end to a dispute that has gone on for over 18 months, causing disruption in the National Health Service. Junior doctors had claimed that they were not paid enough and that this had an impact on their personal lives and patient care. The 22% pay rise over two years is expected to help resolve these issues and ensure that junior doctors can continue to provide excellent care to patients in the NHS
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