Were you charged full GMC annual fees while on maternity, parental or adoption leave? If so, DAUK wants to hear from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DAUK is building an evidence base for a formal challenge of the GMC\u2019s policy on doctors\u2019 fees during parental leave. It says the policy could be \u2018indirectly discriminatory\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the GMC annual retention fee is up to \u00a3463 and is set to rise to \u00a3481 from 1 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Matt Kneale, co-chair of the Doctors\u2019 Association UK (DAUK), said: \u201cThis is mandatory with no option to pause and no specific maternity provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet it lapse and doctors face readmission fees, delays, and being unable to practise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GMC only offers a 50% discount if a doctor\u2019s total annual income falls below \u00a337,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Kneale said: \u201cIf doctors work six months before maternity leave their annual income may exceed \u00a337,000, even if they spend the rest of the year earning a fraction of their salary or nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo they pay the full price of \u00a3463. Which means the GMC fee is more than two weeks statutory maternity pay, which is \u00a3187 per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the unpaid phase of maternity leave, doctors are paying to maintain a registration they\u2019re legally required to hold but can’t use.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By contrast, indemnity providers including the MDU, MPS and MDDUS treat maternity leave as a career break and charge nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Royal colleges typically waive or reduce fees, and the BMA offers a reduced rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Kneale said: \u201cWe believe the GMC\u2019s approach disproportionately impacts women. A flat fee with an income threshold that ignores in-year income loss risks being indirectly discriminatory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n