This year, junior doctors in England were given a pay uplift of only 2 percent.
Meanwhile, inflation is sky-high, and costs of living have risen dramatically.
This situation is not new. Junior doctors have experienced real terms wage decline since 2008. And since the start of the current four-year fixed pay deal – opposed by HCSA – junior doctors have been locked out of higher pay awards every single year.
We recognise that the DDRB pay review system is broken. HCSA is campaigning for reform. But the situation is urgent, and so HCSA is calling for junior doctors in England to participate in a full industrial ballot and show the government we will not put up with pay cuts.
The NHS cannot afford to continue losing us to careers abroad or outside of medicine. That’s why HCSA Junior Doctors are campaigning for pay restoration.
Who is the ballot for?
The ballot is for all HCSA junior doctor members employed by the NHS in England. This includes locally employed junior doctors.
If you are a junior doctor in England but not yet an HCSA member, join today to take part in the ballot.
You will not be able to participate if you fall into any of these membership categories: Consultant, Specialist, medical student, junior doctor working solely in the private sector, or a doctor in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
It is important that all of the medical profession show support for junior doctors as a united front. You can download HCSA’s talking points on pay to equip you to have conversations in the workplace. As the campaign progresses, there will be further opportunities to get involved.
When will the ballot open?
Ballot papers will be sent out by post on 14th December 2022. You must keep an eye out for the letter arriving in the post in the days immediately following this date, so you can return it as quickly as possible.
Between now and then, it’s vital you get involved in the campaign. Make sure you have updated your contact details and remind your colleagues to do so too. You can download HCSA’s talking points on pay here.
What does my vote mean?
The ballot paper will ask whether you are willing to take part in strike action. By voting Yes to strike action, you are indicating that you are prepared to withdraw your labour. This means not attending work and not receiving pay on strike days. We firmly believe this action is the most effective way to make our voices heard.
Any member can choose not to participate in strike action – but imagine the power if all doctors stand together on pay. The more powerful our actions, the quicker the situation will be resolved.
Read our FAQs below if you have concerns about how strike action affects patient safety, your training or your visa.