BMA Criticizes Government's Suggested Pay Rise for Doctors
The British Medical Association (BMA) has responded to the Government's proposal for a 2.5% pay increase for doctors in 2026, calling it "indefensible".
"It is frankly indefensible that yet another Government is once again suggesting real-terms pay cut for doctors – an increase of less than 50p per hour* for many newly-qualified doctors."
According to Dr Tom Dolphin, BMA council chair, this pay rise would be a deliberate choice to devalue doctors and the profession, especially after over a decade of pay erosion and increasing workloads.
- Pay increase of 2.5% in 2026 is considered a real-terms pay cut
- Newly-qualified doctors would receive less than 50p per hour increase
- Decade of pay erosion and spiralling workloads have affected the NHS
The BMA argues that this decision would lead to more doctors leaving the NHS or the country, ultimately affecting patients.
Author's summary: BMA rejects proposed 2.5% pay rise for doctors.