SAS doctors in England have accepted a significant pay increase from the government, resolving a prolonged dispute, though other strikes are still on the horizon. Here’s the full story.
New Pay Deal Accepted
The Conservatives have been handed a significant reprieve ahead of the upcoming election as, after months of negotiations, Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in England have accepted a new pay offer from the government.
Voting Results
The British Medical Association (BMA) reported that 79.3% of voting members supported the new deal, which promises significant pay increases and other benefits.
Resolving Prolonged Dispute
This acceptance marks a pivotal moment in resolving a prolonged dispute between SAS doctors and the government, focusing on better pay deals, advancement and recognition of these essential healthcare professionals within the National Health Service (NHS).
Role of SAS Doctors
SAS doctors are doctors who, having completed their junior doctor training, have not yet taken up work as consultants or GPs but still contribute to the overall running of the NHS.
Financial Benefits
The newly accepted pay package offers substantial financial benefits to SAS doctors. Those on open contracts receive pay increases ranging from 9.5% to 19.4% compared to the 2022/23 pay scale. Additionally, SAS doctors on closed contracts will benefit from a consolidated uplift of £1,400 to each pay point.
Additional Uplift
This increase is in addition to the 6% uplift provided by the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) for the 2023/24 financial year.
Government Concerns
These changes represent a significant step forward in addressing long-standing concerns about fair compensation for SAS doctors and easing some government concerns over the potential for strike action. However, the government cannot take their eye entirely off the ball, as junior doctors within the NHS are still planning significant strike action just days before the general election.
Dr. Mohite’s Statement
Dr Ujjwala Mohite, chairwoman of the BMA’s SAS UK committee, stated, “We entered this dispute with the Government almost a year ago – and today’s result is a step in the right direction in restoring SAS doctors’ value in the NHS.”
Next Steps
She added, “The next step is seeing what the next DDRB pay round brings, and whether it brings us any closer to giving all SAS doctors, on all contracts, what they deserve.”
Importance of SAS Doctors
Dr Mohite also stated that SAS doctors are “absolutely crucial to the running of the health service” but noted, “A combination of burnout, eroded pay, stunted career progression, and being taken for granted by the government has seen many forced to leave the NHS altogether.”
Trust Leaders’ Relief
Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, welcomed the resolution of the dispute, stating, “Trust leaders will be breathing a sigh of relief at this agreement, but we’re not out of the woods yet as junior doctors are set to strike again next week.
Strike Impact
She added, “Trusts will do everything they can to minimise the impact of strikes on patients but more disruption is inevitable. The next government and unions must make ending disruptive disputes in the NHS a priority.”
Industrial Action History
The acceptance of the pay offer by SAS doctors comes following prolonged periods of industrial action within the NHS. Junior doctors, who had received a pay rise averaging nearly 9% in the last financial year, are planning a five-day strike just before the general election.
Junior Doctors’ Demands
The BMA has advocated for a 35% pay rise for junior doctors, arguing that 15 years of below-inflation pay increases have significantly eroded their earnings.
Government Pushback
The announcement of the strikes was met with significant pushback from the government, with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins asking LBC at the time, “Is it a coincidence that they have announced this on the day that Labour has their announcements about health, and my opposite number has committed himself to the 35pc pay demand that the Junior Doctors committee is making?”
Election Campaign Concerns
She added, “The Junior Doctors committee knew full well that Cabinet Office guidance is clear once there is an election underway any government cannot pursue the policies or have the freedom they would outside an election campaign.”
Labour’s Response
However, Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, denied that the unions had spoken to Labour regarding the strikes and placed the blame instead on the current government.
Blame on Conservatives
Streeting stated, “This is confirmation that the chaos in the NHS will just continue under the Conservatives. Rishi Sunak refuses to negotiate with NHS junior doctors because he would rather blame them for his own failures.”
Labour’s Promise
He added, “There were no national strikes in the NHS during 13 years of the last Labour government. The next Labour government will negotiate with junior doctors to bring these strikes to an end.”
Significant Milestone
The acceptance of the new pay offer by SAS doctors represents a significant milestone in addressing long-standing issues within the NHS. While the agreement provides substantial pay increases and other benefits, it will also draw the public’s attention to the rapidly approaching junior doctors strike just days before the election.
Election Impact Uncertain
Whether this latest resolution to the SAS doctor’s pay dispute or the upcoming junior doctor’s strike will affect the outcome of the forthcoming election remains to be seen.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.