Key Takeaways
- Resident doctors in Scotland are set to go on strike from January 13 to 17, 2026, in a dispute over pay
- The strike is the first national walkout by NHS workers in Scotland
- The doctors’ union, BMA Scotland, accused the government of reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels
- The Scottish government offered a 4.25% pay uplift, which was accepted by nurses and other NHS staff, but rejected by resident doctors
- The strike could put pressure on the Scottish government’s promise to end long waits for procedures and appointments by March 2026
Introduction to the Strike
The resident doctors in Scotland are planning to go on strike in January 2026, in a dispute over pay. This will be the first national walkout by NHS workers in Scotland. The doctors’ union, BMA Scotland, has accused the government of reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels. With 92% of voters in favor, the strike dates have been set for January 13 to 17, 2026. The Health Secretary, Neil Gray, has expressed disappointment at the result and offered to meet the BMA Scotland chairman to discuss the issue.
Background to the Dispute
The dispute began when the Scottish government offered a 4.25% pay uplift to resident doctors, which was the same offer accepted by nurses and other NHS staff. However, BMA Scotland rejected this offer, stating that it was the lowest average award received by resident doctors anywhere in the UK. The union claimed that the government had broken a deal agreed upon in 2023, which committed to making "credible progress" towards restoring pay to 2008 levels. The Scottish government’s offer was for a 4.25% increase in 2025/26 and 3.75% in 26/27, which would see the basic pay for a newly qualified doctor rise from £34,500 to £37,345 for 2026/27.
Impact of the Strike
The strike could have significant implications for the Scottish government’s promise to end long waits for procedures and appointments by March 2026. With resident doctors making up almost half of the medical workforce in Scotland, their absence could put even more pressure on an already overstretched NHS. The strike could also lead to the cancellation of thousands of operations and procedures, similar to what has happened in England. The Scottish government has expressed concerns that the strike will put progress at risk, but BMA Scotland has stated that it is willing to negotiate and find a resolution.
Response from the Scottish Government
The Scottish government has expressed disappointment at the result of the ballot and has offered to meet with BMA Scotland to discuss the issue. Health Secretary Neil Gray stated that resident doctors in Scotland have received a 4.25% pay uplift, which is the same as accepted by nurses and other NHS staff. He also pointed out that the Scottish government has delivered a cumulative pay rise of 35% in four years. However, BMA Scotland has rejected this offer, stating that it is not enough to restore pay to 2008 levels.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The strike by resident doctors in Scotland is a significant development in the dispute over pay. With the strike dates set for January 2026, it remains to be seen whether the Scottish government and BMA Scotland can reach a resolution. The union has stated that it is willing to negotiate and find a resolution, but the government must present a "credible offer". The strike could have significant implications for the Scottish government’s promise to end long waits for procedures and appointments, and it is likely that the situation will continue to evolve in the coming weeks and months.
