The government has agreed a deal for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors with the British Medical Association (BMA).
In 2021, the government agreed a multi-year deal with the BMA SAS committee – if accepted, the Department of Health and Social Care says this new offer will rebalance pay scales for SAS doctors on 2021 contracts and pre-2021 contracts.
This would mean a pay increase for SAS doctors, with an average uplift of 7.1% across all pay points – this is in addition to the rise from the pay review process.
SAS doctors on the pre-2021 contracts are being encouraged to move to the new contracts and will be able to do so under this new offer.
This will ensure consistency and fairness across the workforce and streamline the delivery of some of the key goals in 2021 deal, including the roll-out of a new specialist grade.
The offer features a plan to set up a £5m funding pot to encourage the NHS to create more specialist roles where needed.
Victoria Atkins, the health secretary, commented: “I value the vital work of SAS doctors and I’m pleased we have been able to make this offer following constructive talks with the BMA.
“If accepted, it will realign pay scales, improve career progression and support the NHS to create more specialist roles – boosting patient care and supporting the workforce.”
No strike action will be taken in the meantime by the BMA as it puts the offer to its members – the vote is expected in the new year.
NHS Providers’ chief executive, Sir Julian Hartley, welcomed the announcement and said health leaders “will be breathing a huge sigh of relief” as there will be no industrial action from SAS doctors.
"They know though that this isn't a done deal with SAS doctors yet to vote on this offer,” said Hartley. "It's vital that we now see similar progress with junior doctors so that we can draw a line under more industrial action across the NHS."
Junior doctors will strike at 7am on Wednesday 20 December until 7am Saturday 23 December.
The news comes after the government made progress with the BMA and the Hospital Consultant and Specialists Association for consultants last month.
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