Senior doctors in Scotland enter formal dispute as industrial action considered

Senior doctors in Scotland have entered a formal dispute with the Scottish Government over pay, with industrial action now among the options being considered.

The British Medical Association’s Scottish Consultants Committee and Scottish SAS Committee, representing consultants and specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors, confirmed the escalation following discussions with the Scottish Government.

The dispute follows the government’s decision to impose the recommendation of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body for the 2026/27 pay award.

BMA Scotland said the decision to enter a formal dispute had not been taken lightly and reflected growing anger and frustration among senior doctors over pay and working conditions.

The move follows a meeting between representatives of the two senior doctor committees and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Angela Constance.

BMA representatives had hoped the meeting would result in progress, but said they were left deeply disappointed after being informed that the Scottish Government intended to impose the DDRB recommendation.

Senior doctors have raised concerns not only about the latest pay award but about the longer-term erosion of doctors’ pay and its impact on recruitment and retention within NHS Scotland.

The BMA has warned that unless pay and working lives improve, Scotland risks continuing to lose experienced senior doctors who play a critical role in delivering patient care, training other clinicians and supporting the wider health service.

Entering a formal dispute does not mean strike action has been announced.

However, it represents a significant escalation and allows senior doctors and their representatives to consider further steps, potentially including a ballot for industrial action if the dispute cannot be resolved.

The development comes after a period of significant tension over doctors’ pay across the UK, with medical unions arguing that years of below-inflation awards have reduced the real-terms value of doctors’ salaries.

Scotland has previously avoided some of the prolonged industrial action experienced elsewhere in the UK through negotiated agreements between the government and medical representatives.

The latest dispute raises the prospect of that position changing if an agreement with senior doctors cannot be reached.

BMA Scotland has said all options remain on the table as it seeks further progress from the Scottish Government.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.