By Charlotte Webster-
Senior doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA), have reached a resolution in their pay dispute with the government.
The announcement comes after consultants backed a new pay deal, signalling an end to the prolonged negotiations and industrial action that has gripped the healthcare sector.
The new pay deal, supported by 83% of BMA and HCSA members, promises significant pay increases for consultants for the financial year 2023-24.
Under the offer, some consultants will see their pay rise by nearly 20%, marking a substantial improvement in their compensation.
This agreement follows a series of negotiations and previous pay offers that were narrowly rejected by members.
Consultants had received a 6% pay rise in April 2023, followed by an additional sum offered at the end of the year, ranging from nothing to 12.8% extra for individual consultants.
The latest offer addresses disparities by providing an extra 2.85% for consultants between four and seven years into their careers, ensuring a fairer distribution of pay increases.
Dr. Vishal Sharma, Chair of the BMA Consultants Committee, emphasized the resilience of consultants throughout the negotiation process, highlighting the impact of their willingness to strike on multiple occasions.
Dr. Sharma noted that there is still work to be done to fully restore the pay that consultants have lost over the past 15 years.
While the resolution of the consultants’ pay dispute marks a significant step forward, challenges remain in the healthcare sector. The Royal College of Nursing has expressed concern over the disparity between the pay increases for consultants and other healthcare workers, describing the amount awarded to consultants as “galling.”
Nurses and other health workers received a 5% rise and a one-off payment of £1,655 last year, ending their strike action.
The government and BMA are yet to resolve the ongoing dispute over junior doctors’ pay. Talks collapsed late last year, leading to a fresh six-month strike mandate for junior doctors.
While no new strike dates have been announced, junior doctors in Northern Ireland and Wales continue to engage in industrial action over pay issues.
The resolution of the consultants’ pay dispute represents a significant achievement for senior doctors in England, providing much-needed clarity and stability in the healthcare sector.
Ongoing challenges and disparities underscore the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between healthcare professionals and government authorities to ensure fair compensation and sustainable working conditions for all.