The BMA has written to the Government warning that delays to the pay review process risks undoing the progress made since the election and threatens new industrial disputes with hospital doctors in England.
The doctors’ pay review body – the DDRB - makes recommendations to the Government for doctors’ pay, with the aim of providing this information before the start of the financial year in April so that the Government can make pay awards for that year. Despite this, previous years have seen the submission and response to the DDRB report delayed until the summer.
Alongside wider reforms to the pay review body, last year’s consultants’ pay deal for England included a commitment from the Government that it would “look to implement the outcome of each year’s DDRB process as soon as practically possible, with the aim of the pay award being known at the start of the financial year from the 2025/26 pay round”.
However, the BMA says it is now evident that the Government will not be able to honour this commitment. The BMA’s resident doctors committee has already said it will re-enter dispute in England on the 9th of April – one week today - if this delay is not addressed.
Now, in a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, BMA leaders representing all major groups of hospital doctors - resident doctors, consultants and SAS doctors - express their concern that the DDRB is once again late in submitting its report to Government, underlining that further delays could lead to new disputes.
They say:
“We are sure you will share our frustration, as this jeopardises the crucial progress that we have made since July’s general election, and the reforms of the doctors’ independent pay review process that were previously committed to. In view of the situation, we would ask that Government commits (1) to publishing the DDRB’s report without delay following receipt by DHSC, and (2) to entering into negotiations with the BMA in good faith, should the DDRB’s recommendations not demonstrate sufficient progress towards restoring doctors’ pay.”
They add:
“Re-entering dispute is not something the BMA is considering lightly and […] we have tried to expedite the DDRB’s report ourselves. We believe you will be aware of the significance of this delay and we are keen to understand what steps you have taken or may be taking to address this.
“Without progress on these commitments, our committees will inevitably feel the need to consider taking further steps, including re-entering dispute.”
Ends
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.
- Read the letter here.