Junior Doctors to Vote on 22% Pay Offer Amid Future Strike Warnings

Young physicians are set to start voting on a 22% salary proposal, though the possibility of additional strikes lingers. According to details shared by the British Medical Association with junior doctors, this existing proposal can be "secured." However, they warn of potential strikes in the coming year if a satisfactory deal is not reached.

Journalist specializing

Friday, August 9, 2024, 5:

Later this month, junior doctors will start casting their votes to decide if they will accept the pay proposal from the government.

The newly elected Labour administration has proposed an average salary increase of 22.3% for medical professionals in England, a proposal that the British Medical Association (BMA), a key union, is advising its members to approve.

Should it be approved, this would mark the conclusion of the ongoing strikes that have involved junior doctors over the past few years.

The British Medical Association has announced that the voting period will be from August 19 to September 15.

Members will have the option to vote online, allowing for a swift tally of results once voting concludes.

The salary proposal is retroactive to the 2023/2024 fiscal year and extends through the 2024/2025 period.

It is designed to correspond to an average increase of 22.3% over the course of two years.

In discussions with government officials, the BMA pursued a strategy aimed at achieving "pay restoration," which would involve a pay raise of over 30%.

The adjustment aimed to return junior doctors' salaries to what they were prior to the 2008 financial crisis.

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning into Sky News.

Discover more: Amid scorching temperatures, junior doctors stage a walkout, marking a significant moment. For the first time in six decades, GPs opt for collective action.

Warnings of additional measures

Nonetheless, even with the acceptance of the terms, the possibility of additional strikes down the line remains.

In guidance issued to junior doctors, the BMA explained: "By accepting the current proposal, we secure the suggested salary increase, including retroactive pay. This enhanced salary level then sets the groundwork for future actions and negotiations post-April 2025, should the pay review board not implement its suggested changes, or if the government does not restore faith in this procedure."

The union also notes that because of the payroll system's scheduling, any extra payments would not be processed until November.

The Conservative opposition has voiced criticism against the government regarding the salary proposal extended to junior doctors.

This was accompanied by pay proposals for public sector workers that exceeded inflation rates, an initiative estimated to cost £9.4 billion.

Former Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, who served in the role prior to the recent election, mentioned that a projected 20% salary increase for junior doctors was estimated to cost £1.7 billion during her tenure.

She urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to explain the expense involved in the government's proposal.

"She argued that if she fails to do so, the public will recognize it as nothing more than a tactic to make them agree to Labour's increased taxes."

Stay ahead with the latest breaking news updates.

Download the Sky News application at no cost

👉 Subscribe to the Sky News Daily podcast on your favorite platform by clicking here 👈

Ms. Reeves noted that the salary increase would result in a £350 million expense for taxpayers.

She described it as merely a "drop in the ocean" relative to last year's industrial action costs in the NHS, which the chancellor stated amounted to £1.7 billion. This figure may also encompass actions from other sectors of the health system, such as nurses and consultants.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Overview of Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Networks

Additional Sky Websites