In an open letter to the chancellor today the BMA urged the Government to commit to the path of pay restoration after it warned that further funding may need to be linked to productivity increases. 

In the letter the representatives of doctors including the chairs of the resident, consultant, SAS and GP committees remind the Government that above-inflation pay rises will be required in the upcoming award by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) after pay was eroded by the previous government. They express concern that affordability is now being linked to productivity increases, which runs counter to the reform agreed to the DDRB process in the 2024 pay deals.  

“We agree that the NHS needs to improve its productivity” says the letter. “Improvements to NHS productivity could and should be achieved in many ways – from much-needed improvements to IT, changes to the working conditions for staff, and working through the significant maintenance backlog. But improvements to pay cannot be predicated on undefined productivity gains that cannot be realised without significant and sustained investment”.

They remind the Government that fair pay for doctors will itself boost productivity by keeping more doctors in the NHS, helping boost NHS capacity.  

They ask Government to reassure doctors that they stand by the previous deal and look forward to working with Government to improve productivity in future. 

Ends  

 

Notes to editors

The letter can be found here. 

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.