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Hospital doctors welcome government approach on medical pay

The government has today issued its response to the Doctors’ and Dentists Review Body (DDRB). Pay review body recommendations on medical pay will be implemented in full, giving a 6% uplift for Consultants and SAS doctors. Junior doctors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive 6% with an additional consolidated £1,000. 

The Chancellor also announced that junior doctor pay talks have produced an outcome which represents an additional 4.05% for junior doctors in England for 2023/24.

HCSA President Dr Naru Narayanan commented: “We welcome the government’s approach in accepting the DDRB recommendation for a much-needed uplift in hospital doctor pay. It is also commendable that a route through junior doctor pay negotiations has been found so swiftly. 

“This cannot be viewed in isolation, but as a step on the road to tackling the long-term erosion of doctors’ pay.

“The government must now build upon this progress. We will be watching carefully to ensure that the reforms to the DDRB won by our members are enacted from next year, and that pay erosion is conclusively tackled. If we do not properly value those who work in our health service, we do not properly value our health.

 “Our ruling body will meet to discuss this outcome. Rest assured, we will be led by our members”. 

Chair of HCSA Junior Doctors’ Committee Dr Karim Salem said: “This is a potentially decisive offer on junior doctor pay, arriving as the dispute approaches the 18-month mark. It is good to see the sacrifices of our members recognised by the new government.  

“To tackle severe pay erosion, it is crucial that the pay review body continues to show courage in making above inflation recommendations, and that the government continues to listen. HCSA has emphasised this point in all our interactions with the DDRB and the government. 

“That we have got to this point at all is testament to junior doctors’ willingness to take industrial action. Our members have shown they are unafraid to stand up for their profession and their patients.  

“The HCSA Junior Doctor Committee will now consider this offer and the next steps for members.” 

 

Read more about the pay offer to junior doctors in England.