Junior doctors in Scotland could walk out for three days over pay if members of the British Medical Association (BMA) vote for strike action.

The union’s ballot on industrial action will be open from March 29 until May 5 and centres around a formal dispute with the Scottish Government over pay.

BMA Scotland’s junior doctor committee says junior doctors’ pay has been eroded over 15 years, earning 23.5% less than if they were doing the same job in 2008.

An increase of 4.5% was rejected, with junior doctors claiming the offer was a real-terms pay cut.

Should the strike action be backed by BMA members, the union said junior doctors will “withdraw labour” for 72 hours and only offer emergency care during the strikes.

It said NHS boards will be forced to arrange emergency cover to ensure patient safety.

The threatened action would follow similar strikes taking place south of the border.

Dr Chris Smith, chair of the BMA’s Scottish junior doctor committee, urged the Scottish Government to enter negotiations in order to avert the need for strike action.

It is estimated by the BMA that junior doctors make up 44% of doctors in the NHS in Scotland – but Dr Smith warned “we are on our knees” amid rising pressures and staff shortages.

Many, he said, are leaving the profession or are opting to practice medicine abroad due to the rates of pay.

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