The governments offer to Junior Doctors

The government have offered Junior Doctors a pay increase of 22% over 2 years. This comes as Labour aim to end strikes and improve conditions within the NHS for patients and staff.

 

Why are Junior Doctors striking?

Junior Doctors consist of those who have recently graduated medical school beginning their training as Doctors, in specialist areas as well as those who have 10 years or more of experience as a doctors. The range for the term, Junior Doctor includes professionals at various stages of the beginning of their careers and so pay also varies.

There have been strikes since March 2023 with the same demands which have gone unmet from the government. With 11 strike actions being taken since last year with the demand for a 35% pay increase, the government are eager now to come to a deal.

Doctors have reportedly not been paid in line with inflation for the past 15 years, this explains the 35% pay increase demand.

 

How much are Junior Doctors paid?

The pay varies depending on the level the doctor has reached. In 2023, the government stated that Junior Doctors earn an average of £20-30 an hour, this came after comments that it would be more financially worthwhile to work serving coffee.

Their contracts typically state they have a 40 hour working week, this does not included extra hours worked overtime, on evenings and weekends. Junior Doctors will be paid for most extra hours but many claim not all are accounted for.

 

How do Junior Doctor strikes affect the NHS?

Junior Doctors make up almost half of the NHS medical workforce meaning when those positions are vacant there are severe consequences for the hospital.

The strike which took place on and around the general election 2024 led to the postponement of 69,989 appointment, procedures and operations within the NHS. This causes the waiting list to become even longer.

 

Will they accept this deal?

At the end of 2023, the government offered an 8.8% pay increase rather significantly below the demand for 35%.

This new deal of 22%, the best seen yet remains below their request. The government waits to receive word of whether members of the British medical association (BMA) will accept this offer.