After three long years of negotiations and strikes, a new pay deal has finally been accepted by resident doctors in England. The agreement marks a significant turning point for the 53% of British Medical Association (BMA) members who voted in favour of the deal, with a 57% turnout among the 32,932 eligible doctors.
The pay and conditions package is designed to address long-standing concerns over pay erosion and working conditions. A key component is a 3.5% pay increase for the current year, aligned with recommendations from an independent review body. This will be backdated to 1 April 2026, contributing to an average overall increase of 4.9% under the broader package. The BMA projects that this rise will grow to an average of 6.6% by April 2027, with further increments anticipated.
Under the new terms, starting salaries for resident doctors will exceed £40,000, while more experienced colleagues can earn up to £76,500. These figures do not include additional earnings from working unsociable hours or overtime. The deal also commits to providing 4,500 extra training places for newly qualified doctors and covering exam fees.
The resolution brings an end to a period of industrial action that has had a significant impact on patients, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of hospital appointments and procedures. Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, welcomed the deal, stating that it was beneficial for all parties involved.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, has also welcomed the agreement, highlighting its positive implications for resident doctors, patients, and the National Health Service as a whole. The resolution in England follows separate pay deals in Scotland, where talks are ongoing in Wales and Northern Ireland, which is scheduled to see 24-hour strikes on 29 June.
Resident doctors form nearly half of all doctors in England, with their work taking place across various NHS settings including Accident and Emergency departments and GP surgeries. They have completed their initial medical degree and mandatory post-graduate training, working before specialising.