Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 27 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how the estimated £149 million required for the new pay offer for resident doctors will be funded, and whether funding will be reduced in any other area in order to pay for the offer, in the event that it is agreed.
The Scottish Government welcomes the BMA’s decision to call off industrial action following intensive and constructive talks. This has prevented the cancellation of operations and disruption to patient care. The 2026-27 budget provides for pay deals including for resident doctors. The final cost will be managed within the overall Scottish Government budget in recognition of our support for resident doctors through offering the same pay deal which nurses and NHS support staff accepted, including additional investment in contractual reform over the two year period it covers.