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DDRB must ‘reassert its independence’ as doctors’ morale and living standards continue to slip

The BMA is concerned about the ability of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Renumeration’s (DDRB) to serve its original purpose.

In its evidence to the DDRB for 2018-19, the BMA urged it to “reassert its independence” and to not be constrained by the government’s “continuing reluctance to properly fund the NHS.”

It warned that it is vital that the DDRB’s recommendations are made on the basis of the evidence considered, otherwise the profession’s confidence in the process may be “irrevocably broken.”

According to the union, doctors’ living standards have declined due to years of below inflation pay increases, which have equated to a “significant” real terms pay cut, combined with the increased inflationary pressures following the EU referendum.

It claimed that the pay cap of 1% was around 60% less than in the wider economy, and that out of the 10 pay review body occupations, doctors have seen the biggest fall in median real gross hourly earnings, which has impacted on morale.

The BMA has therefore recommended a pay increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus an additional £800 or 2% - whichever is greater.

Additional changes, such as an increased cost of training, rises in indemnity fees and a tax on pensions have deepened the impact on doctors, and the BMA has asked for the DDRB to explore a way to address the real terms cuts in pay over the long term.

Whilst the NHS is understaffed and under high demand, recruitment into pre and post-graduate medical education and training reveals fewer people choosing a career in medicine, alongside many leaving their careers in the NHS.

The BMA has argued that the recruitment crisis can only be addressed through comprehensive workforce planning and appropriate remuneration across the board, opposing targeted recommendations to address location or specialty recruitment issues.

It has also called on the government to match or exceed the average spend of other comparable European countries on health and social care.

Dr. Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “Delivering a world-class health service requires a workforce that feels motivated and supported to provide the best possible care for patients.”

“However, all doctors have seen a significant fall in real-terms pay since 2008.

“While the BMA understands the economic constraints facing the health service, years of real-terms cuts to frontline staff pay undermines the excellent work from hardworking doctors and leaves them feeling demoralised and undervalued.”

He argued that doctors’ pay settlements should match the wider economy, where they run at 60% higher than the public sector cap.

Nagpaul concluded: “Out of the 10 pay review body occupations doctors have seen the biggest fall in real earnings.

“Because of this, we are also asking the DDRB to find a way to close the gap that has emerged in doctors’ pay over the long-term.

“Failure to do so will only exacerbate current recruitment and retention issues facing the profession.”

Top image: amphotora

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