Many locally-employed doctors (LEDs), currently on a range of unregulated and often fixed term contracts, will soon be able to have their experience and skills recognised by transferring to permanent SAS doctor roles, under commitments secured by the BMA.

The move, agreed as part of the SAS pay agreement between the BMA and the Government in 2024, means that from 1 September LEDs in England who have been working at a level comparable to SAS roles with an employer for two years will be able to access appropriate recognition, job security and career progression. It marks significant progress in clamping down on the “wild west” of local contracts that risk exploiting doctors, many of whom are originally from overseas.

LEDs can be found across specialties in hospitals, delivering crucial care, and often have years of experience, but are not enrolled in a training programme.

Seven in ten respondents to a new BMA survey¹ of more than 1,300 LEDS said they had four or more years of post-graduate experience, with more than half² also having at least years two within their relevant specialty – meaning they met the experience required to become a SAS doctor.

Two-thirds of respondents said they would be interested in taking a national SAS contract if given the opportunity³.

Locally-agreed contracts leave terms and conditions at the discretion of the employer, which can place doctors in a vulnerable position. Contracts using national terms and conditions (such as the 2021 England specialty doctor TCS), on the other hand, keep Trusts accountable to the protection negotiated by the BMA.

BMA SAS committee chair Dr Ujjwala Mohite said:

“For too long doctors have been exploited in the ‘wild west’ of locally-employed contracts, where they are used to plug gaps and keep services afloat, and left facing a huge amount of career and financial uncertainty.

“Many of these doctors originally trained overseas and in many cases are not aware at the poor hand they are being dealt by their employers until it is too late.

“If they are doing the work of a SAS doctor, they deserve to be recognised for this with job security and opportunities, which is why this is a significant step forward for LEDs in England.

“This move came as a direct result of SAS doctors standing up to be counted during the 2024 dispute and negotiations, and demonstrates why SAS doctors, currently being balloted over pay and further improvements to working conditions must once again come together to fight to improve our working lives and the care we are able to continue offering to patients.”

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.

1. 1,439 LED doctors responded to a survey carried out between 27 February and 23 March.
2. Of 1,300 respondents that answered questions about their post-graduate experience, 71% (918) had four years or more post-graduate experience, and 26% (334) had ten years or more.
3. 60% (782) of the same 1300 respondents told us that they met the years of specialty-specific experience required to be a SAS doctor.
4. When asked if they had the opportunity to be on a national SAS contract, would they be interested in taking it, 1035 doctors responded. 65% (672) said yes , 25% (254) said they didn’t know, and 11% (109) said no.
5. Read more about the transfer process.