NHS Wales: Doctors accept new salary offer after strike called off

Hospital doctors in Wales have voted to accept an improved pay offer from the Welsh Government, ending their industrial action.

The British Medical Association (BMA) in Wales said senior physicians, junior doctors and specialists had accepted the offer for doctors working in secondary care.

The association representing NHS workers said 96% of junior doctors voted for a 7.4% increase, giving a total increase of 12.4% for the 23/24 financial year.

This comes as junior doctors in England are in the midst of a five-day strike, the eleventh in a long-running pay dispute.

Meanwhile, 86% of consultants have agreed to a revised salary scale for consultants that improves salaries for early years and increases the average career salary to retain older employees.

A total of 82% of specialists, associated specialists and specialty physicians (the so-called SAS members) voted for the increase of 6.1% to 9.2%.

They also agreed to an additional salary increase for specialists and senior doctors with permanent contracts.

Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of the BMA’s Welsh Junior Doctors Committee, said they were “pleased” with the progress, but “the fight to fully restore pay is far from over”.

Dr Ali Nazir, Chair of the BMA Cymru Wales SAS Doctors Committee, said: “For far too long the invaluable contribution of SAS doctors in Wales has gone unrecognised and fairer treatment of this experienced part of the workforce is very welcome.”

Eluned Morgan, Welsh Labour Health Minister, said: “Despite the most difficult financial situation we have faced in the era of devolution, we have worked hard to negotiate a solution to this conflict.

“This means that all our efforts are now focused on ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes for the people of Wales.”

Welsh Conservative shadow health minister Sam Rowlands said: “Labour has only released funds for a wage deal when it was politically advantageous to do so. In doing so, it has caused strike action which has resulted in surgical cancellations, added pressure on our NHS and undue stress for Welsh consultants, SAS doctors and junior doctors.”

Plaid Cymru health spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “Recruitment and retention of staff remains a major issue in the NHS. These disputes have shown once again that poor working arrangements and pay are completely unsustainable.”