So much has happened in the last three years, and we’re both looking forward to continuing this work as co-chairs.

For resident doctors in Wales, we’re proud to say our collective strength now means you receive pay that better (but not wholly) reflects your dedication and professionalism and within the next year look forward to working under a new safer, fairer contract with terms that better suit flexible, modern working arrangements.

Your voice was pivotal, making sure our negotiators focused on areas that were highlighted as important to you. We feel privileged to be taking over the role as co-chairs of the Welsh resident doctors committee at what is a pivotal and exciting time.  

We’re incredibly grateful to Oba Babs-Osibodu for leading the committee and getting us to this point. We continue to demonstrate that by working together we can achieve a better future for our profession, most notably recently through the acceptance of the new resident doctor contract in Wales.  

Thank you for uniting and voting yes on this historic outcome. Your input during the campaign was pivotal to secure such positive reforms. There is much to do, and we will continue to keep you updated on progress as work develops.  

What's next for Wales?

Tackling medical unemployment

While the prospect of a new contract is a positive development for resident doctors in Wales, we know many resident doctors are struggling to progress their careers or even find permanent work.  

We will not accept a situation where members are losing sleep wondering if a job can be secured for August. Last year 40% of doctors surveyed told us they were concerned they would not find work after August 2025. This, in the context of Wales having significantly fewer doctors than the OECD average, is wholly unacceptable. We will not stop until we find meaningful solutions to address the challenges you’re facing.  

We are mindful that we enter an election period here in Wales. You can be assured this issue will be raised far and wide during the election campaign. Whichever party forms the next Welsh Government, job security for resident doctors, including those that approach certificate completion of training, will be stressed as needing to be a priority for the Welsh NHS.

This spring we will survey resident doctors in Wales once again to discover the extent of medical unemployment. Please look out for this and complete the survey to inform our work.  

In the meantime, we will endeavour to work in partnership with HEIW (Health Education and Improvement Wales) and NHS Employers to ensure prioritisation of UK medical graduates is implemented in a way that is best for Wales alongside an extension of training places.

A new contract

Over the next few months, we’ll work hard as a committee to implement a landmark new contract, the first major revision to terms in more than two decades. To prepare for its implementation as a committee, we will be participating in numerous task and finish groups convened by NHS Wales Employers to ensure the process of introducing and embedding the contract goes smoothly.

This will include specific groups such as GP registrars and clinical academics to ensure all doctors are represented throughout implementation. Groups are also being created to investigate and develop solutions for specific issues, including training bottlenecks and job security for those in locally employed doctor roles. Work will continue, in partnership with HEIW, on study budget reform. For any members wishing to be involved in this process, please do get in touch. Your input will be vital in shaping our approach to these groups.  

Full pay restoration

Finally, full pay restoration is a journey which we will continue to ensure is achieved. Through contract reform, we have been able to secure significant investment into resident doctor pay, in addition to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration recommended uplift, continuing our journey toward full pay restoration. But we are clear that there remains some way to go.  

We are planning next steps on pay and your views on this will be crucial. We’ll be circulating our pay survey for 2026/27 to hear your thoughts on the pay award as well as how you would feel about taking industrial action if necessary to secure improvements. Please look out for the survey in the coming months.  

We are strongest when we stand united. Your WRDC needs to have a clear view of what is happening in your workplace. Your voice is essential to shaping how we take all this work forwards, so we encourage you to continue engaging with surveys, sending us your views and getting involved. Please feedback to your local WRDC reps, your local negotiating committee, or contact the BMA through the webpages should you have any issues or feedback.  

We will continue to represent you, to allow you to continue looking after the people of Wales.  

Will Atkins and Thomas Grother are co-chairs of the Welsh resident doctors committee