Doctors in England are considering strike action following the government's announcement of a 4% pay increase, effective from April 1. The British Medical Association (BMA) has criticised the raise as insufficient, arguing it fails to address years of pay stagnation and inflation. BMA council chairman Professor Philip Banfield stated that doctors' pay remains approximately 25% lower than 16 years ago when adjusted for inflation. He expressed concern that the government's approach could lead to renewed industrial action, despite a general desire to avoid further strikes.(BBC)

The Department of Health noted that resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, would receive an additional £750 top-up, bringing their average pay rise to 5.4%. These doctors had previously engaged in 11 strikes over 2023 and 2024, seeking a 35% pay increase to compensate for prolonged below-inflation pay awards. While they received an average 22% raise over the past two years, the BMA contends that the current offer does not sufficiently bridge the remaining pay gap.(BBC)

Other NHS staff, including nurses and midwives, have been offered a 3.6% pay increase. The Royal College of Nursing condemned this as inadequate, stating it would be "entirely swallowed up" by rising living costs. The union plans to consult its members on the offer, with the possibility of initiating a formal strike ballot if dissatisfaction persists.(BBC)

In the education sector, the National Education Union (NEU) has indicated potential disputes if the government does not fully fund the 4% pay rise for teachers. The Department for Education has allocated an additional £615 million to support the increases but expects schools to cover part of the costs through "improved productivity and smarter spending." NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede warned that this could lead to service cuts, job losses, and increased workloads, although he believes the offer may be broadly acceptable to members.(BBC)

Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the pay increases, highlighting that they are above the current inflation rate of 3.5%. He acknowledged the challenges of reversing over a decade of pay restraint but emphasised that the recent raises represent significant progress in recognising the contributions of NHS staff۔

The BMA is set to ballot resident doctors next week regarding potential strike action, a decision made prior to the latest pay see.(BBC)