GMB Union, which represents more than 75% of staff working at the BMA, says it has launched the dispute in response to a proposed pay offer of just 2%.

The union says that since 2012, BMA staff have suffered pay erosion of nearly 17% as a result of years of sub-inflationary pay awards.

A survey of GMB members working at BMA found over 91% would be in favour of taking industrial action due to the 2% proposal.

A GMB rep working for the BMA said: ‘It is nothing short of hypocritical for the BMA leadership to make their staff a pay offer that they would encourage their own members to reject.

‘BMA staff have worked tirelessly to support doctors both during Covid and through multiple rounds of industrial action.

‘We stand in solidarity with resident doctors in England and Scotland, many of whom we have got to know on the picket lines and who are speaking out against real terms pay cuts on this campaign for several years now.

‘We just wish the BMA's chief executive, board, and council would see the disparity in treatment and make a fair offer that recognises our members' worth.'

In response, BMA chief executive Rachel Podolak, said: ‘We do not recognise the pay award for BMA staff for 2026 is just 2%. The total in-year award ranges from 3% to 16%.

‘When the total offer to our staff is considered – including three extra paid days leave on top of 30 days contractual annual leave and bank holidays, enhanced paternity leave and a non-consolidated lump sum - we are confident it is at or above market rates for comparable organisations and we regularly benchmark against industry standards.

‘I am grateful for the constructive discussions that have been held with members of the GMB and the mutual understanding of the financial recovery pathway the BMA is on to ensure we have and continue to have a financially sustainable future for our members and our staff.'