The UK government has announced a new 4% pay rise for NHS junior doctors, describing it as an above-inflation increase intended to reflect public sector demands. The raise follows the latest review of pay for public service workers.
Despite the move, doctors’ unions have responded critically, warning that strike action remains on the table unless further adjustments are made to account for years of pay freezes and real-term income declines.
In addition to junior doctors, other NHS workers such as nurses, midwives, and physiotherapists have been offered a 3.6% increase. However, some unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the package, arguing that the rise does not meaningfully improve financial conditions. Union representatives stated that the increase would be “entirely swallowed up by inflation,” leaving no real improvement in take-home pay for many essential workers.
Calls for Further Negotiation Amid Rising Living Costs
Doctors’ representatives argue that the pay deal fails to address the cumulative effect of over a decade of wage suppression in the public sector. While the headline rate of inflation has recently eased, many healthcare professionals continue to face mounting living costs, particularly in housing, transportation, and utilities. These ongoing pressures have led to increasing tensions between NHS workers and the government.
Some union officials said that without a more comprehensive and restorative pay settlement, they would consider escalating to strike action. Although formal ballots have not yet been scheduled, internal discussions among medical staff and their representatives suggest a growing appetite for industrial action if negotiations do not resume.
Government giving above inflation pay rises.
— sandieshoes 🇬🇧 (@sandieshoes) May 23, 2025
**Doctors threaten to strike after 4% pay rise.
**Nurses saying it’s grotesque they are being offered less than the doctors.
The treasury only budgeted for 2.8% increases – this is going to cost another £2bn.
Where is the…
Broader Impact Across Public Sector Roles
The government’s pay review also affects several other public sector professions. Armed forces personnel, prison officers, and judges are all slated to receive similar increases, though the exact percentages vary by department. Ministers have stated that the aim is to provide “fair and affordable” wage improvements across the board, balancing fiscal responsibility with worker satisfaction.
Despite these efforts, union feedback has remained largely critical. Labour groups representing NHS staff argue that targeted support is needed, especially in roles that experienced intense workload and risk throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The gap between government proposals and union demands continues to shape the national conversation around public service compensation in 2025.
