Ending resident doctor strikes in the United Kingdom will cost taxpayers an estimated £200 million this year, a figure that is less than the cost of one additional week of industrial action, according to Health Secretary James Murray.
The deal, accepted by members of the British Medical Association (BMA), brings to a close years of strikes that disrupted patient care and cost the National Health Service (NHS) billions. The pay offer includes an average 6.6 per cent uplift to be fully implemented by April 2027, reforms to the doctors' pay structure providing two pay rises annually, and an increase of 4,500 specialist training places.
With a turnout of 57 per cent, 53 per cent of BMA members voted in favor of the offer. The union had previously warned members that rejecting the deal could lead to escalating strike intensity.
Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, will now see their average earnings increase by 35.2 per cent compared to four years ago. Some may earn over £100,000 annually before qualifying as a consultant.
The strikes have so far cost the NHS over £3 billion in lost activity and overtime payments, with each day of action impacting finances by approximately £50 million.
Health Secretary James Murray stated that the settlement is "good for taxpayers" and emphasized that it is "less than the cost of one more week's worth of strikes." He also indicated a desire to find similar solutions with unions representing other NHS staff, including nurses, midwives, and paramedics, to strengthen the health service.
However, the funding for the pay rise is understood to be drawn from existing Department of Health and Social Care budgets, with officials unable to specify what services might be cut to accommodate the increased wage bill. The resolution comes after a planned four-day walkout on June 15 was called off following the union's agreement to put the offer to its members.
Critics, including the Conservative party, have expressed concern that the deal may encourage further costly demands from other public sector unions. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting had previously warned that conceding to the BMA could potentially cost billions if other unions, such as nurses, porters, and ambulance crews, subsequently seek similar pay increases.