SNP Government and resident doctor pay talks continuing over Christmas

BMA Scotland announced on Friday that its resident doctors - formerly known as junior doctors - would walk out for the first time in January.

The doctors’ union met Neil Gray on Monday, with the Health Secretary saying afterwards that he was "going to look at what compromises can be made" in the coming weeks.

The MSP said some topics still had to be discussed, but added that "substantial" progress had already been made on doctors' pay since striking a deal in 2023.

Mr Gray told BBC Scotland: "Both sides want to find a way to avoid what would be incredibly disruptive industrial action at the height of winter.

"I've committed to further discussions over the course of the Christmas/New Year period and into the new year.

"At the end of the day we want to make sure that we can do the best for residents but also the best for staff and patients across the NHS."

Some 90 per cent of resident doctors voted in favour of striking from 7am on Tuesday January 13 to 7am Saturday January 17.

But BMA Scotland has said that a resolution could be found and had urged the Scottish Government to get back round the negotiating table.

Dr Chris Smith, Chair of the BMA Scottish resident doctors committee, said Monday’s talks had been “useful” but that “urgent progress” was needed to avoid strikes.

Dr Smith said: “We have held useful talks with Neil Gray and the Scottish Government today and we welcome the constructive approach adopted.

“Further negotiations are now planned, which is crucial as we clearly need considerable and urgent progress if we are to avoid strikes which resident doctors in Scotland voted for overwhelming in the ballot that closed last week.”

Resident doctors make up half of Scotland’s medical workforce.

Their experience ranges from newly qualified doctors to those who have been working for ten years.

So far, Scotland has been the only part of the UK to have avoided strike action by doctors.

Some 5,138 resident doctors in Scotland were eligible to vote in the strike ballot. Turnout was 58 per cent - with 3,008 votes cast.

A summer 2023 strike was called off at the last minute after a deal was struck.

The Scottish Government has currently offered a 4.25 per cent increase in 2026/26 and 3.75 per cent in 26/27.

This is the same offer which nurses , paramedics and other NHS workers accepted earlier this year.

But BMA Scotland said it was the lowest in the UK and less than the independent pay review body recommended.

The current offer would see basic pay for a newly qualified doctor go from £34,500 to £37,345 for 2026/27 and from £71,549 to £77,387 for those with ten years’ experience.

Doctors are expected to work night shifts, weekends or longer hours for which they receive a better rate.