BMA's Northern Ireland consultants committee (NICC) have made the decision to re-enter a dispute with the Department of Health and health service employers in response to this year's Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) recommended pay uplift for doctors, which they say is not enough to address years of pay erosion for consultants, and over continuing delays in implementing this pay uplift in Northern Ireland.

NICC chair, Dr David Farren, said: ‘We are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in this position yet again after the positive outcome of last year's pay talks. The DDRB recommendation of a 4% uplift for this financial year does not align with our aim of full pay restoration and reneges on efforts to address years of pay erosions for consultants, that is now up to 26%. Not only that, this uplift has again yet to be paid to consultants and other doctors in Northern Ireland as it has elsewhere in the UK as the health minister tells us he does not have the money to do so.

‘Year after year of missed promises and deadlines on pay uplifts and then reneging on prioritising pay in his budget is demoralising. Not only does it cause financial penalties and delays life plans such as retirement, it sends a clear message to consultants: The complex, high-skilled, life-saving job we do is valued less if you work in Northern Ireland's health service. It is insulting and no longer acceptable.

‘We are still willing to engage with the department on resolving this issue, however we will now move to gather the views of consultants on what our next steps will be through an indicative ballot. If the feeling is strong enough and consultants agree a pay uplift of 4% is not enough, we will move to have a full ballot for industrial action.'

The Department of Health has previously stated that it faces severe budgetary pressures and that funding the pay rise remains 'challenging'.