Trade Unions Express Concern Over BMA Pay Demands Ahead of Doctors’ Strikes

Tensions are rising within the UK health sector as trade unions privately express concerns over the pay demands of the British Medical Association (BMA) and the resulting strikes by resident doctors.

The BMA is seeking a pay increase that exceeds the 3.5% offer extended to doctors by the government. As a result of the failed negotiations, strikes are scheduled to begin on April 7, 2026.

Disparity in NHS Pay Offers

The conflict centers on a disparity between the offers made to medical professionals and other National Health Service (NHS) staff. While doctors were offered a 3.5% increase, more than one million other NHS employees are set to receive a lower pay rise of 3.3%.

This lower rate is determined by the Agenda for Change (AfC) system, which governs the pay scales for non-medical personnel. Those affected by the 3.3% figure include:

• Nurses
• Midwives
• Physiotherapists
• Healthcare assistants
• Ambulance workers
• Hospital porters

The BMA’s insistence on a percentage higher than 3.5% has reportedly caused resentment among unions representing these AfC staff members.

Concerns Over Negotiation Tactics

Senior figures within other trade unions have voiced frustration regarding the conduct of the pay talks. Some union sources suggest that the leadership of the BMA by resident doctors, rather than professional negotiators, has led to a chaotic process.

I think it stops from taking any kind of pragmatic approach.

Senior union figure

Critics argue that this leadership structure has resulted in a decreased willingness to compromise on pay and conditions, particularly those that would impact individuals entering the workforce.

You need to zoom out sometimes and I don’t think they can see the bigger picture

Union source

The perceived lack of a pragmatic approach has made it more difficult for other union leaders to present their own members’ deals, with one senior figure noting that such agreements are becoming a much tougher sell.

Government Response

The government has attempted to avert the strikes, with Wes Streeting improving the offer to resident doctors in England. Despite these efforts, Streeting has criticized the BMA, describing their position as delusion as talks failed to prevent the industrial action.

The upcoming strikes, starting April 7, 2026, reflect the ongoing struggle to balance the pay demands of specialized medical staff against the broader pay frameworks of the NHS workforce.