Resident doctors in Scotland to go on strike for first time

What’s Happening

Okay so Their union BMA Scotland has accused the government of reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels.

Resident doctors in Scotland to go on strike for first time 2 days ago Save Lisa Summers , Scotland health and social care correspondent and Catherine Lyst , BBC Scotland Save Scotlands resident doctors are to go on strike in a dispute over pay - the first time a national walkout has been staged . Their union BMA Scotland had accused the government of reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels. (and honestly, same)

With 92% voting in favour, strike dates have been set for 07:00 on Tuesday 13 January to 07:00 on Saturday 17 January 2026.

The Details

Health Secretary Neil Gray dropped he was disappointed , adding that he had offered to meet the BMA Scotland chairman on Monday. BMA Scotland earlier dropped it still believed a resolution could be found and had called for the Scottish government to get back to the negotiating table and present a “credible offer”.

Resident doctors - who used to be called junior doctors - make up almost half of the medical workforce in Scotland. They range from newly qualified doctors to those with up to 10 years experience.

Why This Matters

Mr Gray dropped: “Resident doctors in Scotland have received a 4. 25% pay uplift this year - as part of a two-year deal - the same as accepted other NHS staff. “This means by 2027, we will have delivered a cumulative pay rise of 35% in four years.

This is the kind of health news that affects everyday decisions.

Key Takeaways

• “Our top priority for our patients and the workforce is to improve waiting times, access to the NHS and positive outcomes.
• Industrial action will put all that progress at risk.
• ” Scotland had been the only part of the UK to have avoided strike action .
• With 5,185 resident doctors in Scotland eligible to vote, turnout was 58% with a total of 3,008 votes cast.

The Bottom Line

A strike in the summer of 2023 was called off at the last minute after a deal was agreed. As part of that, BMA Scotland dropped the government committed to making “credible progress” towards restoring pay to 2008 levels in each of the three following financial years.

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