Scottish doctors and dentists to receive above-inflation pay increases

Doctors and dentists in Scotland will be given an above-inflation pay uplift at the end of September, it has been announced.

The news comes after the Scottish Government agreed to implement recommendations from an independent pay review board.

Consultants, GPs, specialists, and associate specialist doctors and dentists will receive a 3.5% increase for 2026-27.

For some doctors, the increase ranges from around £2,246 to £3,501 per year.

In addition, salaried community and public dental workers will receive a 3.75% pay uplift, in recognition of sector challenges. This could be between £2,030 and £4,294.

The pay uplift will benefit more than 10,000 NHS employees and will be backdated from April this year.

Health secretary Angela Constance confirmed the pay rises in a letter to the British Medical Association (BMA).

She said: “I’m grateful to all consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities.

“It is, therefore, right that we recognise this by accepting the independent findings of the DDRB to deliver an equitable and affordable pay deal – one that is in line with other public sector pay awards for 2026-27.

“We remain committed to a fair, evidence-based and independent approach to pay awards and in accepting the DDRB recommendations in full, we are supporting recruitment and retention.

“This will help to ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work, while balancing the need for financial sustainability across the public sector.”

How have senior doctors reacted to the new pay deal?

However, senior doctors have warned “all options are on the table” as they reacted with fury to deal.

The BMA has warned that the offer was not enough and said it would now speak to its members to consider their “next steps”.

In a joint statement, BMA Scotland’s consultants committee chair Dr Joanna Bredski and SAS committee chair Dr Sine Steele, said: “The imposition announced by the Scottish Government is both deeply disappointing and extremely concerning for the future of the profession and the NHS.

“It is regrettable the Cabinet Secretary has decided to ignore previous agreements and imposed the 3.5% pay uplift for both consultants and SAS doctors and without offering any further negotiation on ending pay erosion or reforms which improve working conditions and prevent burnout.

“Unless our pay and working lives as a whole are improved, we will go on losing the senior doctors who are so vital to the NHS in Scotland.

“We will now be talking to our membership and considering next steps. All options are on the table.”