The BMA says despite the extraordinary efforts of all doctors during the pandemic, the Government has chosen to exclude certain groups from this year’s pay award.

The BMA says this decision ignores the clear advice from the official pay review body report – published today – which urged ministers to consider that doctors not included in the 3% pay award should still receive recognition for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The review body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration (DDRB) said in its report that, for tens of thousands of doctors, including GP partners, juniors and many Specialty and Associate Specialists, ‘We would stress that recognising their contribution during this period, as well as responding to the impact of the pandemic on them personally and on recruitment, retention and motivation, is as important as it is for other groups. Recognising the contribution, they have made to the pandemic response is extremely important, and we would urge ministers to consider this.’

Last night, the Government finally announced a 3% pay uplift to hospital consultants, nurses and employed GPs in England but gave nothing to those on existing multi-year pay deals.

The BMA Chair of Council, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said: “Doctors are already angry and dismayed by the award which is still a pay cut in real terms. It is also now clear that the Government has disregarded and buried the clear advice from the independent review body that doctors on multi-year deals should also receive equivalent financial recognition for their efforts.

“Yesterday the Government said it had accepted the recommendations in full this year and that this was in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of NHS workers. What they didn’t say was that it was in recognition of just some of them. The Government has chosen to ignore the Review Body’s strongly worded advice that all doctors should be recognised and rewarded.  The report points out that the impact the pandemic is having on those on previously agreed pay deals, ‘personally and on recruitment, retention and motivation, is as important as it is for other groups.’ It is callous and unjust that the Government is denying recognition for their efforts.

“Now this has come to light, the BMA will be pushing the Government to do the right thing by honouring their word of implementing in full the review body’s recommendations so that all categories of doctors receive the reward and recognition they absolutely deserve and need.”

 

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Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.