British medical association slammed for 'hypocrisy' over pay rises for staff and doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has faced fierce criticism for offering its own staff below-inflation pay rises while demanding a 26% increase for resident doctors. The move has prompted tens of thousands of NHS medics to walk out of hospitals in England, with the BMA's own staff staging their own strike.

Bma's double standard sparks industrial action

The BMA rejected a health secretary offer of a 4.9% pay rise for resident doctors, claiming it couldn't afford to offer its own staff more than 2.75%. Critics argue this is 'hypocrisy' from the union.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the BMA of using resident doctors as 'political pawns' to pressure the government, while neglecting the pay of its own staff. 'The BMA is asking the government for pay restoration for their doctor members but have failed to restore the pay of their own staff, who have seen their wages eroded nearly 17%,' said Donna Thomas, regional organiser for GMB.

Resident doctors began a 48-hour walkout on Tuesday, with hundreds of BMA staff joining in. The strikes will last until Monday, with some treatments and appointments cancelled due to the lack of cover. The move has sparked a divided public response, with 53% opposing the strikes according to a YouGov poll.