Responding to the recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Renumeration (DDRB) today, Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, said:
“The recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Renumeration (DDRB) today do not go anywhere near far enough in delivering on the need to reverse long-term pay erosion. It risks a further drop in morale in the medical profession which has in recent years had to cope with spiralling workloads, chronic short-staffing and an NHS in crisis. Senior doctors are already feeling let down by recent awards which fail to recognise that they have been – and continue to – go above and beyond every single day so they can deliver the best possible care for their patients.
“The Scottish Government has indicated it will leave any decision on accepting the DDRB recommendations to the new Government after the election in May – so there is an opportunity for whoever takes power to do better than these recommendations. We urge them to do so, particularly in the context of rapidly rising global inflationary pressures. From a BMA point of view, the decisions on next steps will now lie with individual Branch of Practices – with committees working with the whole of their membership to determine the position and next steps – and push the new Scottish Government for an improvement in the recommendations, alongside other priorities such as safer working patterns.
“There has been some welcome progress on pay in recent years to address the historic years of pay erosion that doctors have suffered, although this has not been consistent across the profession. What is required now is to build on this progress and ensure that the pay of all doctors at all stages of their careers is where it should be to ensure that Scotland can attract and retain the medical professions that are needed to ensure a safe, sustainable and thriving NHS.
“Doctors in Scotland have already shown they are willing to unite and stand up for the future of their profession – and for the NHS – if politicians refuse to deliver what is needed. There is no doubt they will be ready and willing to do so again if required.”
Notes to editors
Resident doctors accepted an improved package of investment into their pay and contract following a successful ballot for strike action last year, which covers the financial years 2025/26 and 2026/27 and means they are not impacted by today’s DDRB recommendations.
Work is underway to implement the funding deal for GPs in Scotland which provides £250million direct investment into GPs and is a separate from the DDRB process. This is a welcome step towards funding restoration for General Practice, but we will be looking for the Scottish Government to build on progress made through this year’s funding uplift process.
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.