Resident doctors in Scotland have accepted a pay deal worth around 11% following negotiations with the Scottish government.
The resident doctors, who were formerly known as junior doctors, are represented by British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland. A total of 98.2% voted to accept the offer on a turnout of 61.4%.
The deal comprises an 8.5% rise backdated to April, as well as a 2.3% increase from 1 October. This will mean that during the current financial year, doctors at the start of their career will receive a £3,418 rise, while those nearing the end of their training will receive a £7,088 increase.
The offer is applicable to all NHS Scotland resident doctors, dentists in training and relevant clinical academics. For resident doctor pay, it represents a total investment of £64.1 million.
Health secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased that resident doctors have voted to accept the Scottish government’s pay offer. This demonstrates how much we value them and ensures that NHS Scotland remains the place of choice to work and train. I am pleased we have been able to work together to honour the previous agreement from 2023-24 and I extend my sincere thanks to our hard-working resident doctors.”
Chris Smith, chair of the Scottish resident doctors committee at BMA Scotland, added: “Today is another important step forward for Scottish resident doctors, but there is still significant work to be done to achieve full pay restoration. The Scottish government must continue to build on the agreements that we have reached so that doctors have confidence that our current trajectory towards full pay restoration, and the true recognition of our skills, sacrifices, and responsibility, is satisfactory and sustainable.
“While we have so far seen negotiations conducted robustly, but in good faith, any signs that progress is starting to slow or stop in coming years will be met with a resolute and united profession clear in its view that the deal done simply must be delivered in full.”
