Responding to the publication of the 2009 Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration report, Dr Hamish Meldrum, the BMA's Chairman of Council said: "Doctors will be disappointed at this award. They will feel that the DDRB appears to have capitulated to government pressure. Whilst we appreciate that tough decisions have to be taken during this period of economic difficulty, holding back on doctors' pay is not the answer.

"Rather than penalising the staff who are essential to the care of patients, the government should be looking at other ways of cutting back on its spending. NHS funding has been frittered away on countless re-organisations, needless advice from management consultancy firms, and in England, market-driven reforms that pit hospitals and GPs against each other and allow commercial providers to make profits from the NHS.

"Health services will be under intense pressure as the recession takes its toll on people's health. NHS frontline staff will be required to work at an even greater pace and intensity and it is vital that their hard work and dedication is recognised. This award does nothing to support that view."

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