Practices to ‘withhold pay’ of striking junior doctors

Health Education England (HEE) has advised GP practices to dock the pay of trainees who took part in the recent industrial action.

In a letter, GP practices in the south of England were directed by Health Education Wessex to withhold the pay of their trainees, however, the GPC has maintained it is up to each practice whether they decide to follow the advice.

HEE has stated that it will not reimburse practices if they decide to go against the directions and pay junior doctors for the days of action.

The letter was sent to GP practices in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Thames Valley, Dorset and Wiltshire, and said: “If your GP trainee takes part in any of the junior doctors’ strike action, you will need to withhold payment of their salary for the day that they are on strike.”

However, GPC deputy chair Dr Richard Vautrey, said: “The expectation when anyone takes industrial action is that they will not receive their pay on the days that they take action. HEE, who fund GP trainees, would expect pay to be deducted by their employer. 

“What practices do outside of that employment arrangement is up to them but we do know that the overwhelming majority of GPs are very supportive of their junior colleagues.”