Commenting on the sustained pay cut that junior doctors have experienced in recent years, amount to a quarter of their salary, alongside the rise in inflation and cost of living, BMA junior doctor committee co-chairs Dr Sarah Hallett and Dr Mike Kemp said:

“Despite the enormous efforts that junior doctors go to each day, in a health service that is increasingly overstretched and unfunded, we have experienced a sustained and continued pay cut of close to a quarter of our salary over a decade.

“This cut of a quarter is now compounded by the rise in inflation and cost of living. It is only fair to expect the Government to pay doctors what they were always worth and what they deserve. Junior doctors today now begin their careers saddled with up to £100,000 worth of debt after years of intensive studying and training. 

“It is therefore only right to expect remuneration that is reflective of a job that is demanding, often gruelling and at times detrimental to our own health and wellbeing, yet one which is absolutely crucial to the public. It was not the public who determined that junior doctors are worth a quarter less than before.

“The strength of feeling among the profession is clear, and evidenced by the overwhelming majorities voting in favour of the conference policies; doctors are fed up of being overworked, underpaid and undervalued and are prepared to take the necessary steps to achieve what they feel is only fair and right reward. Junior doctors are not seeking a pay rise, but for their pay to be put right to what they were worth before. If they are to ensure the sustainability of the health service and the future of patient care, the Government must listen to the voice of the profession.”

 

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. 

For media enquiries please email [email protected] or call 020 7383 6448