Consultants and SAS doctor ballot outcome
Today (6 July 2026), the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced the results of its statutory ballots for industrial action, following calls for pay negotiations.
The outcome of the recent ballot confirmed that consultant doctors in England have voted in favour of industrial action, and while specialty, associate specialist and specialist (SAS) doctors in England also have voted in favour of industrial action, they didn’t meet the threshold to take part in industrial action.
Ballot outcome:
- Of those who took part in the ballot, 76 per cent of consultant doctors voted in favour of industrial action.
- Of those who took part in the ballot, 90 per cent of SAS doctors voted in favour of industrial action, however with a turnout of 42 per cent, the threshold to take part in industrial action was not met.
The ballot ran from 11 May to 6 July 2026.
No strike action has currently been announced by the BMA. We will work with stakeholders to help understand the next steps. Support and information for employers on managing industrial action can be found on our IA web pages.
For any queries or advice, please contact us.
