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.