Comment from Dr Alan Stout, BMA NI Council Chair, “Today’s Doctors’ and Dentists’ Pay Review Body’s recommendation of a 3.5% pay uplift is unacceptable to doctors in Northern Ireland. The recommendation fails to meaningfully address the scale of pay erosion that our members have experienced over many years and falls well short of what is needed to stabilise the medical workforce here. 

“The level of this award does not reflect the intensity of the pressures doctors are working under, nor does it offer a credible solution to the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis facing health services in Northern Ireland.  

“Continued sub-inflationary pay awards are undermining morale and driving doctors away from the health service; pay is a key factor in making Northern Ireland an attractive place to train, work and remain in practice. 

“As a result of this low award, we will now move to formally consult our members and this will likely mean we will begin the process of balloting for industrial action. Doctors have been clear that patience has been exhausted and that stronger action is now required to secure fair pay and protect the future of patient care. 

“Responsibility now lies with the Minister to engage seriously and urgently to avoid escalation. Failure to do so will leave doctors with no option but to pursue industrial action in defence of the profession and the services patients rely on.” 

/////////ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.