Two groups of senior NHS doctors could strike this summer after their pleas for an inflation-busting pay rise were rejected.

British Medical Association (BMA) officials have announced that thousands of consultants and specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors in England will be balloted on industrial action in the coming months.

The move could see them join resident doctors—previously known as junior doctors—on the picket lines and add to the chorus of chaos. 

Many doctors were offered a 4 per cent pay uplift in May following a review of public sector pay. 

The increase, recommended by an independent pay review body, was above the rate of inflation, which jumped to 3.5 per cent in April, the highest since January 2024. 

But union leaders today labelled the uplift an 'insult to senior doctors' and warned they they would work with resident doctors to maximise the impact of any action.  

BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said: 'Last month's offer was an insult to senior doctors and undoes so much of the progress made last year.

'Without restoring consultants' value we will continue to drive our most experienced clinical leaders and academics away—in many cases to better pay and conditions overseas—when patients and the public need them most. 

British Medical Association (BMA) officials have announced that thousands of consultants and specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors will be balloted on whether they want to take industrial action in the coming months. Pictured, doctors holding a rally outside Downing Street in 2023

BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said: 'We've been clear to the Government that we're ready to get around the table and to secure a better outcome for doctors, patients and the public, but with no response, we have no choice but to prepare for the possibility of further action'

'We've been clear to the Government that we're ready to get around the table and to secure a better outcome for doctors, patients and the public.

'But with no response, we have no choice but to prepare for the possibility of further action. 

They added: 'Our resident colleagues have already launched their ballot, to which we offer them our fully-fledged support. 

'We ask the Government whether it can really risk having several groups of doctors on picket lines together later this year.'

BMA SAS committee chairwoman Dr Ujjwala Mohite also said: 'SAS doctors are the backbone and unsung heroes of the NHS, yet this year’s pay "award" once again completely disregards the value we offer to patients and the health service.

'Even with the uplift, SAS pay will be down by almost a quarter in real terms compared to 2008. 

'We are certainly not working a quarter less than we were 16 years ago.'

The ballot, which opens on July 21 and closes on September 1, is indicative—meaning it won't be used to launch industrial action.

Mr Streeting said walkouts should be the last resort, with warnings they would be 'immensely disruptive for patient care'

A recent YouGov poll found that 48 per cent of Britons oppose resident doctors going on strike, while 39 per cent support them taking action 

There are around 60,000 consultants and 15,600 SAS doctors working in England.

During the most recent wave of NHS industrial action in 2023 and 2024, consultants took to the picket lines on four separate occasions, totalling 11 days. 

On two occasions—seven days—they took joint action with resident doctors. 

SAS doctors, did not take any strike days after resolving their dispute with the Government without resorting to industrial action. 

It comes as the resident doctor industrial action ballot closes on July 7. If successful could see this group of medics strike for up to six months in England. 

Earlier this month health secretary Wes Streeting said walkouts should be the last resort, with warnings they would be 'immensely disruptive for patient care'.

He pointed out that the average 5.4 per cent award for resident doctors is the highest in the public sector. 

They claim wages have fallen 23 per cent in real terms since 2008.

But a recent YouGov poll found that 48 per cent of Britons oppose resident doctors going on strike, while 39 per cent support them taking action.

YouGov said this 'marks a shift in opinion' of public support of striking junior doctors last summer, when the majority of Britons – 52 per cent – said they supported the action.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'SAS doctors and consultants have received an above inflation pay rise of 4 per cent, following last year's 6 per cent pay award, meaning the starting salary for a consultant is over £20,000 more than in 2023.

'Through the hard work of consultants, SAS doctors and all NHS staff, we have cut waiting lists to their lowest level in two years, down by almost a quarter of a million since we took office. 

'Through our Plan for Change We want to continue working with doctors to rebuild our NHS for the benefit of both staff and patients.'