Thank you for contacting me about doctors in training, or junior doctors.
The passion, commitment, and specialist knowledge of our NHS staff, including junior doctors, is part of what makes our NHS so special. Frontline NHS workers have played a vital and unique role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and I know we are all grateful for their dedication.
In 2019 a multi-year agreement for doctors and dentists in training was reached. The deal means that all junior doctor pay scales will have increased by 8.2 per cent by the end of the deal, and in addition around £90 million is being invested to reform the contract, including to create a new, higher pay point to recognise the most experienced doctors in training.
While I note your comments around the inclusion of junior doctors in the pay review process, I understand the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) has not been asked to make a pay recommendation due to the multi-year agreement in place. They have, however, been told that the DDRB's comments and observations on the evidence they receive during the process relating to doctors and dentists in training would be welcome.
The wider pay review process is ongoing and uplifts will be determined by the recommendations of the independent Pay Review bodies. No decisions will be made until recommendations have been received later in the year.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.