Consultants in England have narrowly rejected the latest pay offer from the government, with 51% voting against the proposal in a ballot with a 65% turnout. The British Medical Association (BMA) is now urging the government to improve the offer, which was intended to provide an average 4.95% increase in basic pay from this month, on top of the 6% rise granted in April.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed disappointment at the rejection of what she described as a “fair and reasonable” offer and mentioned that the government is considering its next steps.
The offer varied for individual doctors, with some potentially receiving up to 13% more, while others would receive no additional pay beyond the previous 6% increase. The proposal also included changes to contracts, such as ending one of the merit-awards systems and streamlining the pay banding system to help doctors progress more quickly in their careers.
Despite the rejection, the BMA’s consultants committee, led by Dr. Vishal Sharma, noted the close result and has called on the government to improve the deal, citing concerns over pay erosion, fairness, and the impact on professional development and teaching time.
The Hospital Consultants and Specialists Union also rejected the offer, joining the BMA in their dissatisfaction. Consultants, who have already staged four walkouts last year, still hold a strike mandate until June, though no further action has been announced yet.
The BMA has also announced that junior doctors will be balloted to extend their strike mandate, which is set to expire in February, following unsuccessful negotiations with the government in December.