BMA says Government’s suggested pay rise for doctors in 2026 is indefensible - BMA media centre - BMA

BMA Criticizes Government's Suggested Pay Rise for Doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has responded to the Government's publication of evidence to the doctors' pay review body, expressing strong opposition to the suggested 2.5% pay rise for doctors in 2026.

It is frankly indefensible that yet another Government is once again suggesting real-terms pay cut for doctors – an increase of less than 50p per hour* for many newly-qualified doctors.

According to Dr Tom Dolphin, BMA council chair, this decision is a deliberate choice to devalue doctors and the profession, and a calculated decision to let the profession bear the cost of political failure.

The BMA argues that each sub-inflation offer will push more doctors to leave the NHS or the country, ultimately affecting patients.

Author's summary: BMA rejects Government's proposed 2.5% pay rise for doctors.

more

British Medical Association British Medical Association — 2025-11-04