Doctors union tops up £1m reserve pot for strikes
The trade union for doctors has stashed away hundreds of thousands of pounds more to fund future strike action despite posting another year of losses, new accounts reveal. The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents over 200,000 doctors and students, put aside around £300,000 more funds towards its reserve for industrial action last year, according [...]
The British Medical Association (BMA), representing over 200,000 doctors and students, has increased its reserve fund by around £300,000 to finance future strikes, according to newly released accounts. Despite posting a loss of £2.4m after tax in 2025, the union now has over £1.3m set aside specifically for industrial action, primarily to address pay and working conditions.
This comes after the BMA committed £2.1m towards industrial action in 2025. Dr Peter Holden, the union's treasurer, revealed contingency plans were in place to fund long-term strikes. However, fewer consultant and resident doctors joined last year despite the wider membership growing slightly. The government and BMA reached a pay deal in June, giving resident doctors a 35.2% pay increase over four years.
Health and social care saw a record budget boost at last year's Spending Review. The BMA has faced criticism for its negotiations and stance on various issues, including gender identity and antisemitism, while also exploring staff reductions to address financial deficits.
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