Senior doctors in Scotland to vote on possible strike over pay and workload

The British Medical Association’s Scottish Consultants Committee has called for a ballot among senior doctors to consider industrial action, citing a lack of progress on pay and working conditions. Chairwoman Joanna Bredski criticised Health Secretary Angela Constance for refusing negotiations and for relying on doctors to cover staffing shortfalls. Consultants report regularly exceeding their contracted duties to maintain patient safety, while their real wages have fallen by 23% since 2008.

The Scottish Government announced a 3.5% pay increase for consultants and other doctors for 2026-27, but the union deemed the offer inadequate. The ballot will be held after the BMA’s UK Council grants permission, and the union warns that any strike would be a last resort to secure sustainable working patterns.