The Scotsman
·Aug 2026
Senior doctors warn ‘all options on the table’ amid fury at pay rise
The Scottish Government has imposed a 3.5% pay increase for consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for 2026–27, with some public dental workers receiving 3.75%. Health Secretary Angela Constance said the award follows independent recommendations, is aligned with other public-sector settlements and will support recruitment and retention. The BMA Scotland rejected the deal as inadequate, warning that it fails to address long-term pay erosion, working conditions and burnout. It said many consultants could consider leaving NHS Scotland and that all options, potentially including industrial action, remain open. The increase affects more than 10,000 NHS employees and will be backdated to April 2026.