Doctors strike called off as union backs latest pay deal

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: Medics had been set to go on the first national walkout staged by NHS workers on Tuesday in a dispute over pay.

Doctors strike called off as union backs latest pay deal 3 days ago Save Save The British Medical Association union is recommending members accept a ew pay deal Scotlands resident doctors have called off a planned four-day strike over pay. They had been set to go on the first national walkout staged on Tuesday, having accused ministers of going back on promises over pay. (and honestly, same)

But after further negotiations, the British Medical Association union is to suspend the strike and put a fresh pay offer to members - and is recommending that it is accepted.

The Details

Health secretary Neil Gray dropped it was “solid news” which would avoid disruption to patient care. Resident doctor pay talks to continue over Christmas as strike looms Resident doctors in Scotland to go on strike for first time Resident doctors in Scotland begin ballot for strike action Resident doctors - who used to be called junior doctors - make up about 42% of all Scotlands doctors and range from newly qualified doctors to those with 10 years or more experience.

Members will now consider an offer of a 4. 25% pay rise in 2025-26, followed by a 3.

Why This Matters

The pay deal offered government matches one already accepted other healthcare staff, and was before rejected last year. But it now comes alongside a separate package of contractual reform. The offer would see the basic pay for a newly qualified doctor rise from £34,500 to £37,345 for 2026/27 and for a doctor with 10 years experience rise from £71,549 to £77,387.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

The Bottom Line

The BMA dropped the added contractual investment package would move all resident doctors in Scotland up the pay grow, meaning the combined offer is equivalent to an average end-of-year pay uplift for 2025/26 of 9. Resident doctors would receive different levels of increase at different stages, depending on what point they were at in their career.

What’s your take on this whole situation?