What happens now GPs have rejected the contract, plus will GP pay rise by 3.5%?

What happens now GPs have rejected the contract, plus will GP pay rise by 3.5%?

From Talking General Practice by GPonline.com

April 3, 2026 · 34 min · Season 6 · Episode 32

About this episode

Emma and Nick discuss the implications of GPs rejecting the contract and the potential pay rise amidst current challenges in general practice.

Emma and Nick discuss the results of the BMA referendum on the GP contract and what happens next, including whether GPs will take action and what health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has said about this. They talk about this year’s GP contract deal after the DDRB recommended a 3.5% pay increase for GPs and practice staff and updated contract guidance for PCNs was published - highlighting some of the key challenges facing practices as the new financial year begins. Our good news story this week is about the annual British Social Attitudes survey, which showed satisfaction with general practice has risen to its highest point since 2021. This episode was presented by GPonline editor Emma Bower and deputy editor Nick Bostock. It was produced by Czarina Deen. Useful links GPs vote overwhelmingly to reject 2026/27 contract GPs could start collective action in April if contract talks fail GP pay rise 'could fall short' amid rising inflation Government reveals details of 2026/27 GP contract funding GPs already hired with PCN cash can move to new practice-level scheme Lack of detail on new GP reimbursement scheme ‘completely unacceptable’ Public satisfaction with general…

People in this episode

Hosts: Emma Bower, Nick Bostock

Topics covered

  • GP contract
  • pay rise
  • BMA referendum
  • healthcare policy
  • public satisfaction
  • financial challenges

Keywords

  • GP contract
  • BMA referendum
  • pay increase
  • healthcare
  • public satisfaction
  • financial year
  • PCNs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BMA, DDRB, British Social Attitudes

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