Top-paid NHS consultants averaged over £200,000 as winter strikes loom

Official figures show that the highest-paid 10 per cent of NHS consultants earned more than £200,000 on average in the year to April, prompting renewed criticism of the British Medical Association’s planned winter strikes. The figures come as the Government considers next year’s consultant pay award and the union seeks further pay rises and shorter working hours.

Among about 66,759 NHS consultants, the top 5 per cent averaged £223,518 and the next 5 per cent £203,810; overall average pay reached £150,000 this financial year after rising £25,000 over four years. The BMA has rejected a proposed 2.4 per cent increase and called a 48-hour strike for 25 and 26 November, with further action possible into next summer. Of 18,069 consultants who voted, 13,695 supported strikes; officials estimate the union’s demands could cost £2 billion to £3 billion, while the BMA says consultants’ pay has fallen 25 per cent in real terms over 17 years.