(Title Image: ITV Wales)
The Welsh Government have announced a new pay deal for doctors and dentists in Wales, which exceeds the latest pay offer in England.
The new deal will see a 2% base salary increase for doctors and dentists (including salaried GPs), an additional 2% for independent contractor GPs and an additional 1.5% for specialist non-consultant doctors.
“This pay rise, which will be backdated to 1 April 2018, recognises the value and dedication of hardworking doctors and dentists and their key contribution to the NHS in Wales. This deal goes beyond what was agreed for doctors and dentists over the border and is yet another reason why Wales is a great place to train, work and live.”
– Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth)
The offer is a complete acceptance of the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors & Dentists Remuneration and the pay rise has been backdated to 1st April 2018.
While the increase isn’t as high as in Scotland, it’s hoped the more generous package than England will help deal with recruitment and retention problems in the Welsh NHS, particularly affecting rural areas.