Junior doctors are once again preparing to strike after the Government offered a pay increase that many see as far too low — just 4 per cent.
This comes amid wider pay announcements affecting teachers, nurses, civil servants, and the armed forces.
Despite government ministers accepting recommendations from public sector pay review bodies, union leaders warn this could spark a “summer of discontent” with further industrial action on the horizon.
What the Pay Rise Looks Like Across Public Services
Alongside junior doctors, teachers and school leaders in England have been offered a 4 per cent raise.
Most Armed Forces personnel will receive a slightly higher bump of 4.5 per cent, while nurses, midwives, and physiotherapists will see a smaller increase of 3.6 per cent.
Senior civil servants are set for a 3.25 per cent rise.
These figures, however, fall short of what many workers feel is necessary, especially given rising inflation.
Inflation Undermines Pay Offers
The latest inflation data, published just yesterday, showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) jumped to 3.5 per cent in April — the highest in over a year.
With inflation climbing faster than many pay increases, workers are concerned that their real earnings are actually shrinking.
This makes the government’s promise of “real-terms” pay rises harder to believe.
The Government’s Stance and Union Reactions
Downing Street has been firm, stating no extra funds will be made available beyond the 2.8 per cent they initially budgeted for pay rises.
This hard line has angered unions, who warn that any pay increases above inflation must not come from existing budgets, as that would mean cuts elsewhere.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has been particularly vocal, threatening strikes unless doctors get “full pay restoration” — essentially a reversal of pay cuts from previous years.
Professor Philip Banfield, chair of the BMA council, said the offer was “woefully inadequate” and that unless meaningful pay restoration happens, strikes are inevitable.
Similarly, NHS workers in the GMB union are currently being balloted to decide if they accept the pay offer.
Teachers and School Leaders Voice Concerns
Teachers’ unions are also dissatisfied.
The National Education Union (NEU) says the pay rise is not fully funded, meaning schools may face cuts, job losses, and heavier workloads for already overstretched staff.
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede warned that unless the government covers the full cost, the union could register a formal dispute.
Paul Whiteman, from the NAHT (the school leaders’ union), echoed these worries, highlighting that schools will likely have to make up some of the shortfall from existing budgets despite some extra government funding.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced £615 million in additional funding for schools this year, but concerns remain.
Nurses Feel Left Behind
Nursing staff, represented by the Royal College of Nursing, are also unhappy with the 3.6 per cent rise.
General Secretary Professor Nicola Ranger called the increase “entirely swallowed up by inflation” and criticized the government for favoring doctors with bigger pay boosts.
She stressed that nurses have suffered 15 years of pay erosion and feel undervalued.
Civil Servants and Other Public Workers Respond
The PCS union, representing civil servants, welcomed a slight increase over the original government offer but remained disappointed with the 3.25 per cent figure, which barely outpaces inflation.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said many civil servants earn close to minimum wage and deserve better pay rises.
The union’s leadership will soon decide how to respond going forward.
Government Response: Progress Amid Financial Challenges
Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the pay rises, calling them “thoroughly deserved” and highlighting that the government inherited a struggling health service with low morale.
He acknowledged the financial difficulties facing the country but stressed that above-inflation pay rises for NHS staff have been delivered for the second consecutive year.
Streeting admitted the government could not fix years of pay neglect overnight but said the recent increases show progress.
Political Fallout and Broader Context
Since Labour took power last summer, public sector pay rises between 4.75 per cent and 6 per cent have been granted for 2024/25, including a hefty 22 per cent increase for junior doctors over two years.
However, these moves coincided with cuts elsewhere, such as the controversial axing of winter fuel payments for many pensioners—a decision the Prime Minister had to partially reverse after public backlash, though details remain unclear.
Conservative MP Edward Argar criticized the government, warning that giving in to strike demands without conditions only encourages more industrial unrest.
He urged Labour to negotiate fair and affordable deals without harming patient services, or else the real losers will be the public relying on healthcare.
What Happens Next?
With unions balloting members and tensions running high, the risk of further strikes looms large.
The Government faces mounting pressure to find a solution that balances fair pay with budget realities — but the coming weeks may see more public sector disruption before a lasting agreement is reached.