Welsh NHS Medics Overwhelmingly Approve New Pay Deals

Junior doctors, consultants, and specialist doctors in Wales have unanimously accepted new pay offers, putting an end to long-standing disputes. Junior Doctors Embrace 7.4% Additional Uplift The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that 96% of junior doctors voted in favor of a 7.4% additional uplift, bringing the total pay increase to 12.4% for the 23/24 financial year, retroactively applied from April 2023. Consultants Welcome Revised Pay Scale Additionally, 86% of consultants approved a revised pay scale that enhances early years' salaries and overall career average pay to retain experienced professionals. SAS Members Approve 6.1-9.2% Salary Upgrades Furthermore, 82% of specialist, associate specialist, and specialty doctors (SAS) endorsed an offer featuring salary increases ranging from 6.1% to 9.2%, along with an extra uplift for associate specialists on closed contracts. Despite these positive developments, the BMA emphasized that the fight for full pay restoration is ongoing. The pay agreements mark the conclusion of extensive negotiations that commenced in April following industrial action by junior and senior doctors. Dr. Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr. Peter Fahey, co-chairs of the BMA's Welsh junior doctors committee, expressed satisfaction with the progress made, highlighting the union's commitment to advocating for fair compensation. Dr. Stephen Kelly, chairman of BMA Cymru Wales's consultants committee, lauded the agreement as a step towards retaining and attracting senior medical professionals, ultimately benefiting patients. Dr. Ali Nazir, chair of BMA Cymru Wales's SAS doctor committee, underscored the significance of securing a more equitable deal for SAS doctors. The announcement coincided with ongoing strikes by junior doctors in England over a separate pay disagreement.