Junior docs in Scotland set to strike after rejecting pay supply

Junior docs in Scotland are set to strike after rejecting a pay supply made by the Scottish authorities.

BMA Scotland stated the three days of commercial motion will go forward on 12-15 July until an improved supply is made.

The Scottish authorities offered a 14.5% pay increase over two years last month. BMA Scotland stated on Tuesday that 71.1% of those that voted on a 66.3% turnout rejected the deal.

The physique is now searching for an pressing assembly with Health Secretary Michael Matheson.

Dr Chris Smith, chair of the BMA’s Scottish Junior Doctors Committee, stated: “Our membership has as soon as once more spoken decisively and clearly.

“It is beyond doubt that they do not consider this offer sufficient to begin the process of addressing the pay erosion we have suffered since 2008 – when pay for a junior doctor was some 28.5% higher.

“That is why at the moment, we will verify that we are actually compelled to behave on the extremely robust mandate given to us by members in our previous strike poll and announce a full withdrawal of labour for 3 days from Wednesday 12 July.”

Dr Smith stated the motion was being taken reluctantly and the hole between the announcement and the walkouts would supply the well being service with sufficient time to place a plan in place to cope with disruption and for the federal government to enhance its supply.

Read extra:
Scotland’s junior doctors offered 14.5% cumulative pay rise amid walkout threat
Why are junior doctors striking – and why could it be the worst NHS strike yet?

Any new bundle should additionally “convincingly provide” a option to safeguard docs from “further pay erosion in the future”, he added.

Dr Smith claimed beneath the rejected supply, pay erosion would nonetheless have been “a staggering 26.5% over the last 15 years”.

He added: “We cannot go on losing doctors to countries where they feel more valued and are paid fairly. Our NHS simply won’t be here for the people of Scotland in the long term if there is not action and investment now.

“That is why our message to the Scottish authorities at the moment is stark. Come again with an improved supply and we will nonetheless avert the necessity for strikes and the disruption they may trigger us all and sufferers particularly.

“The ball is now firmly back in the government’s court, and I hope they respond urgently and positively.”

Health Secretary Mr Matheson stated he was “disappointed” with the rejection, including that strikes are “in no one’s interest”.

He stated: “I respect the outcome of the ballot. We negotiated in good faith, addressing concerns from junior doctors but this was only the start of the journey, not the end.

“This was the largest funding in junior physician pay for the final 20 years and a step ahead to modernising pay bargaining, restoring confidence amongst junior docs and making certain that their contribution to our healthcare system is appropriately recognised.

“My door remains open, and I will meet with BMA Scotland later this week to discuss how we move forward.”