Resident doctors will be able to vote from today on whether the Government’s latest pay and jobs offer is sufficient to end the industrial dispute which began in July 2025. If they accept, the current mandate for strike action will end.
Strikes scheduled for this week have been called off to allow doctors to vote.
The online referendum opens Thursday June 18th at 3pm and closes midday on Friday June 26th.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee (RDC), said:
“After far too long without a credible offer on the table, at last the Government has come up with a package that is worth consideration by our members.
“It is now up to doctors themselves to decide on their future. Tens of thousands of hard-working frontline doctors will be looking at this offer in detail and making their choice. As a democratic union we will respect their wishes whichever path they choose.
“If they decide that this is another real step on the road to pay restoration, and a jobs package that gives more certainty to their careers, then the strikes will end. If they do not, then strikes will continue, and they will have to escalate in intensity with another reballot.
“I will now await their decision. Either way, they have already waited far too long for a resolution to this dispute. Now is their chance to have their say.”
Notes to editors
The referendum will be open to resident doctor members of the BMA.
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4,500 specialty training places over the next three years to tackle the jobs bottleneck
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All Locally Employed Doctors to be offered the terms and conditions of the standard 2016 resident doctor contract
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In combination with this year’s DDRB recommendation, an average 6.6% pay uplift, fully delivered by April 2027, with a further uplift in April 2027 following the DDRB recommendation.
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This would be achieved by:
- Faster nodal point reform
- Pay uplifts twice a year contingent on career progression
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Exam, portfolio & membership fees covered
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Guaranteed annual career progression for doctors who work less than full time who meet their competencies
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Increased pay premia for medical academics
More information on the offer can be found here.
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.