Over two-thirds (67%) and 82% of consultants and SAS doctors, respectively, said they were prepared to strike.

BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said: ‘We know that the secretary of state understands that his and the Government's ambitions to improve health services and the health of the nation cannot be done without our most expert clinicians, and we look forward to discussing how the country can both recruit and retain consultants, and avoid them having to take to the picket line once more.'

The BMA said that even with this year's 4% uplift, consultants' and SAS doctors' pay are 26% and 24% down in real terms on 2008/09 levels.

BMA SAS committee chair Dr Ujjwala Mohite said: ‘SAS doctors are tired of being taken for granted, and are willing to fight for improvements to pay, career progression and development, so they are no longer the ‘forgotten workforce.'

A DHSC spokesperson said the ballots showed ‘the vast majority of consultants and SAS doctors aren't prepared to go on strike' with less than one in five voting for industrial action. The Government said that by its estimates both ballots failed to achieve a majority.

The spokesperson added: ‘As a highly valued part of the NHS workforce, consultants have seen their pay increase by 22% over the past three years, with an average salary of £145,000 a year. For the first time in over a decade, the NHS is finally on the road to recovery.

‘NHS doctors now have a Government that values them and wants to work with them to enhance their working conditions and rebuild our NHS. We're grateful to every senior medic who has chosen NHS recovery over the BMA's attempt to spark further unnecessary strikes.'