By Emmanuel Dominic 
Pay Boost for England’s Frontline: Teachers and Doctors Get 4%
The UK government has announced a 4% pay rise for teachers and doctors in England, following recommendations from independent pay review bodies. This increase slightly surpasses the current inflation rate of 3.5%.
Other public sector workers are set to receive varying increases:
- NHS staff (excluding doctors and dentists) will receive a 3.6% pay rise.
- Junior doctors are to get an average increase of 5.4%, which includes a £750 top-up .
- Armed forces personnel will see a 4.5% increase, while senior military staff will receive a 3.75% rise .
- Senior civil servants are set for a 3.25% pay increase .
Despite these increases, the government has indicated that no additional funding will be provided beyond departmental budgets, requiring departments to manage the pay rises within existing resources .
Unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the announced pay rises. The British Medical Association (BMA) described the 4% increase for doctors as “woefully inadequate” and is planning to ballot junior doctors over possible strike action . Similarly, the National Education Union (NEU) has warned of potential industrial action if the government does not fully fund the 4% pay rise for teachers, as schools are currently expected to cover part of the increase from existing budgets .
The total cost of these public sector pay rises is estimated at £6.9 billion. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is expected to provide further details on public sector spending in a multi-year review scheduled for June 11.
