Doctors in Wales accept new improved pay offer

Ten days of strike action from junior doctors was called off in April

Hospital doctors in Wales have voted to accept an improved pay offer from the Welsh government, putting an end to their industrial action.

The British Medical Assocation (BMA) in Wales said consultants, junior doctors and specialist doctors accepted the offer for those working in secondary care.

The body representing the NHS workers said 96% of junior doctors voted to accept an additional 7.4%, a total uplift of 12.4% for the 23/24 financial year.

It comes as junior doctors in England are in the midst of a five-day strike, the 11th walkout in a long running pay dispute.

Meanwhile, 86% of consultants accepted a revised consultant pay scale which will improve early years pay and increase career average pay to retain the senior workforce.

A total of 82% of specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors (known as SAS members) voted to accept the 6.1% to 9.2% rise.

They also accepted an additional uplift for associate specialists, senior doctors who are on closed contracts.

Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of the BMA’s Welsh Junior Doctors Committee, said while "pleased" with progress, "the fight for full pay restoration is far from over”.

Dr Ali Nazir, chair of BMA Cymru Wales’ SAS doctor committee, said: “For far too long the invaluable contribution of SAS doctors in Wales has been disregarded and so reaching a fairer deal for this experienced part of the workforce is very much welcomed."

The Labour Welsh government's Health Secretary Eluned Morgan said: “Despite the most severe financial situation we’ve faced in the devolution era, we have worked hard to negotiate an end to this dispute.

"It means all our efforts are now focused on ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes for people in Wales.”

Welsh Conservative shadow health minister Sam Rowlands said: “By only releasing the funds for a pay deal when it was politically advantageous to do so, Labour have caused the strikes which led to missed operations, extra pressure on our NHS and undue stress on Wales’ consultants, SAS doctors and junior doctors.”

Plaid Cymru health spokesperson Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “Recruitment and retention remains a huge issue within the NHS. These disputes have highlighted again that poor working agreements and remuneration are utterly unsustainable."