The BMA says payroll errors that have left doctors threatened with legal action are a sign of ‘astonishing incompetence’ and must be stopped, as a new BBC investigation sheds light on the impact of such mistakes. 

The report, which the BMA contributed to, reveals how doctors are being threatened with legal action, including county court judgments (CCJs) and bailiffs, if they do not repay salary that has been mistakenly paid to them through no fault of their own. In some cases, staff had noticed the errors and already tried to rectify them before formal action was taken against them. 

The BBC’s investigation found that thousands of NHS employees have been referred to debt collection agencies and bailiffs by their own employer after their trust accidentally overpaid them. The number of referrals has doubled in just the last four years. Referrals to bailiffs to collect overpaid wages increased from 1,807 in 2020-21 to 2,683 in 2024-25. At one trust, four in five employees mistakenly overpaid were referred to a debt collection agency (226 total).  At another over 60% of those overpaid were referred last year. The data suggests that trusts are increasingly reaching for debt collection agencies to pursue overpayments.  

Dr Hamza Usman, a surgical CT2 working in Mersey, was overpaid in three salary payments whilst working in another region. He tried to make his trust aware of the error but didn’t get a response back. When his trust noticed the error, they sent him a letter implying serious action against him. 

Dr Usman said:  

“I tried repeatedly to let them know there had been an error but to no avail. When they finally got in touch they sent a letter that was quite threatening and caused me a lot of anxiety. You just feel a bit helpless, like you’re at their mercy. They eventually worked out a payment plan for me to pay back the money over a few months, but even then, the communication about this was very poor. When I said the situation had been handed badly they brushed it off and said it’s just something that happens sometimes. Doctors should be able to trust that their pay is accurate and not be punished for others’ mistakes.” 

BMA council deputy chair Dr Emma Runswick said:  

“Being able to rely on your monthly pay being accurate and on time should be a given, not something which is leaving doctors experiencing considerable stress and anxiety. It is beyond belief that in the 21st century the NHS cannot accurately pay doctors for the work they do, and even worse, when mistakes are made, there is seemingly no simple or efficient way of putting it right. We urge NHS bodies to urgently find the resources and effort to stop this happening, because this astonishing incompetence is resulting in NHS staff being left with thousands of pounds of debt – with some are even facing legal action and bailiffs knocking on their doors and many having to do additional work to pay off their debt."  

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. 

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