HOSPITAL consultants could withdraw their goodwill if ministers fail to improve a “derisory” 1 per cent pay proposal, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned.

The move on Thursday, from senior doctors who typically work up to 20 per cent more hours than contracted, often unpaid, would have a massive impact on waiting lists which are already at record levels due to the Covid pandemic.

The BMA has demanded a “sensible pay offer, of at least 5 per cent,” having seen the value of doctors’ take-home pay eroded by more than 28 per cent over 11 years.