Doctors brand the government's 2.4% pay rise 'derisory' as unions warn of a fresh wave of NHS strikes

Dr Tom Dolphin, chairman of the BMA council, said it 'beggars belief' that ministers would expect doctors to accept a pay cut at a time when patients are receiving care in hospital corridors and car parks. The Royal College of Nursing called the offer a 'betrayal'. CPI inflation stood at 3.1 per cent in August, meaning the rise falls short of the rate of price growth. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper must now decide whether to concede any ground.

Officials warn that each additional 0.5 per cent on pay adds around £750 million to the NHS bill.

Unison says more than 200,000 NHS staff earn less than the real living wage.

Dolphin says doctors' pay has not recovered to the levels seen 20 years ago.