The Office for Students has today published guidance from the Secretary of State for Education which sets out the Strategic Priorities Grant funding for 2026-27, outlining funding allocations for universities. This imposes specific cuts to funding for medical academics, previously set by Government to support pay parity with their NHS counterparts, which the BMA says undermines the Government’s ambitions for innovation and being a world-leader in research, as well as the sustainability of the future medical workforce.
BMA medical academic staff committee co-chairs Professor David Strain and Dr Jonathan Gibb said:
"Whilst the Department of Health has ambitions for an innovative health service and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is aiming for a world-leading position in life science research, today's action by the Department for Education implements targeted cuts of at least £13m to funding the very medical academics that would deliver these objectives.
“This is on top of the Medical Schools Council reporting only two weeks ago a further reduction in medical academics to 3.2% of the consultant workforce.
“These are the doctors developing cutting edge treatments and responsible for educating the clinicians of the future.
“In government, one hand says it recognises the role medical academics have in contributing to economic growth, whilst the other hand cuts the funding needed to employ the people leading that work.
“We call on the next Prime Minister and ministers to support the well-recognised role medical academics have both in improving the nation’s health and safeguarding the future workforce, and in achieving the economic growth that can be offered by health innovation.”
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.