Months of strikes by senior NHS doctors have finally ended after unions overwhelmingly accepted a Government pay deal. The agreement with consultants is described as a significant improvement on the first offer put forward by ministers. But union chiefs have warned the deal is only "enough of a first step" to prevent further strikes. It includes a 2.85% payrise for those who have been consultants between four and seven years - who were not included previously. This is in addition to a 6% rise awarded last summer. And the Government says the new offer will help address the gender pay gap in medicine. It will also give consultants more clarity on their pay progression arrangements. It is separate to the dispute between ministers and junior doctors, which is still ongoing. Dr Vishal Sharma, who chairs the BMA consultants committee, said: "After years of repeated real-terms pay cuts, caused by Government interference and a failure of the pay review process, consultants have spoken and now clearly feel that this offer is enough of a first step to address our concerns to end the current dispute. "However, it's now imperative that (pay body) the DDRB utilises its independence to restore doctors' pay and prevent any further disputes from arising. We've reached this point not just through our tough negotiations with the Government, but thanks to the resolve of consultants, who took the difficult decision to strike, and did so safely and effectively, on multiple occasions, sending a clear message that they would not back down." In a statement the
British Medical Association (BMA) said: "After months of unprecedented industrial action and campaigning, months of negotiations, and weeks of voting by BMA members, the consultants committee has accepted the latest Government offer on pay for consultants in
England. Additionally, the offer includes significant reform to the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Pay Review Body (DDRB). This is an important first step on the road to restoring the value of our pay and pensions. "Eligible BMA consultant members voted 83% (turnout 62%) to accept the offer, delivering a vital first step on our journey to restored pay." Rishi Sunak said: “The end of consultant strike action in the NHS is excellent news for patients. It will mean we can continue making progress towards our goal of cutting the waiting lists, which have now fallen for the fourth month in a row. “Consultants perform a vital role at the heart of the NHS – I’m pleased they’ve accepted this deal, which is fair for them and fair for the taxpayer.” * Follow Mirror Politics on Snapchat , Tiktok ,
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