The GMB Union said 96% of those voting supported the walk-out with an 80% turnout.

Gavin Davies, GMB senior organiser, said: ‘This ballot result reflects the strength of feeling inside the BMA.

‘Staff are angry and disappointed that the pay deal offered doesn't match inflation and doesn't begin to address the real terms pay cut they've experienced.

‘BMA staff have tirelessly supported resident doctors in their fight for improved pay.

‘Now it's their turn to demand a fair pay deal.'

The GMB said the action had been taken following unsatisfactory offers from the BMA during ACAS talks.

A GMB member working for the BMA said: ‘Staff at BMA appreciate the many messages of support and solidarity from BMA members in our campaign for fair pay.

‘We just want to focus on supporting BMA members in their campaigns.

 ‘We hope BMA management can come to the table with a reasonable offer that recognises our efforts and does not represent another year of real terms pay cuts.'

A BMA spokesperson said: ‘We acknowledge the result of the ballot, and we recognise the strength of feeling among our staff and respect their right to take part in a democratic ballot. Our staff play a vital role in supporting the work of the organisation and we value the dedication and professionalism they bring to their roles.

‘We remain committed to negotiations with the GMB to work towards a resolution and want to continue open and meaningful dialogue in the hope of reaching a settlement that is fair to staff and sustainable for the organisation. We had previously increased our original offer to staff to an uplift of 2.75%, plus an additional £1,000 consolidated offer for colleagues in the lower paid grades. This is in addition to enhanced paid paternity leave (4 weeks) and an extra 3 days annual leave, taking the total for 2026 to 34 days plus bank holidays. Given the BMA's ongoing financial recovery plan, this increased offer puts the association at the very limit of keeping that recovery on track to give the BMA a sound financial footing for the future.

‘We will now work to ensure we can continue to provide key and critical services for our members during the strike period.

 

‘We remain committed and open to an ongoing dialogue with our GMB colleagues and hope we can still settle the dispute without any strike action taking place.'

The strike will be held on 27-28 March.