UMAPs Takes Legal Action Against Organisations Producing Discriminatory Policies Impacting Physician Associates
United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) has launched legal action in response to the systemic targeting of Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs), specifically Physician Associates (PAs), through discriminatory policies and guidance issued by the British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
This move follows repeated failures by these organisations to engage in meaningful dialogue, acknowledge the harm caused, or meet their duty of care obligations. This guidance has led to approximately 200 redundancies since the 9th October 2024, disproportionately affecting women and ethnic minorities, and threatens the future of multidisciplinary care within the NHS.
Holding Institutions Accountable
UMAPs has empowered affected members to initiate legal proceedings against organisations that have issued and/or acted upon discriminatory policies. Employers and medical institutions that have used such guidance to justify dismissals, breaches of contract, or redundancies will be named as respondents in employment tribunal cases. This includes targeting organisations producing “non-legally binding” guidance documents designed to restrict MAP roles unjustifiably.
UMAPs has already begun advancing cases through its legal team to ACAS, ensuring that members have a pathway to justice.
A Crisis in Professional Standards
Over the past two years, a militant antiMAP campaign led by a minority of doctors, and their affiliates, has sought to undermine PAs and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs). Disguised as a “patient safety” argument, this campaign has been created to mislead the public and weaponised respected institutions like the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Medical Association (BMA).
This guidance has already resulted in over 200 redundancies within two months, disproportionately impacting women (80%) and ethnic minority professionals, with Black PAs being twice as likely to face dismissal compared to their White colleagues.
PA Stephen Nash, General Secretary of UMAPs, said:
“It is deeply disheartening to witness the degradation of professional standards to the extent that discrimination against MAPs is excused and perpetuated. These institutions must understand that their duty of care supersedes petty protectionist agendas. If they continue down this path, we will hold them accountable, not just morally, but legally.”
A Call for Evidence-Based Leadership
The organisation has also condemned the abdication of leadership by certain Royal Colleges, particularly the RCGP and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). The publication of diminutive scope of practice documents, rushed, protectionist, and lacking empirical grounding, and arguably now acting as an arm of a trade union, has caused widespread harm to PAs and the patients they serve.
When questioned, the RCGP admitted it had not conducted an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA), asserting it was not bound by public sector equality duties under the Equality Act. UMAPs strongly contests this position, particularly given the RCGP’s public-facing role and prior legal precedents.
UMAPs has further criticised the infiltration and weaponisation of these institutions by militant factions who prioritise their own agendas over patient care and workforce equity.
PA Stephen Nash Warns:
“If any organisation publishes further discriminatory guidance before the Leng Review findings, resulting in indirect discrimination, redundancies, or other detriments, we will not hesitate to add them as respondents to employment tribunal claims. The era of excusing harm under the guise of professional superiority is over.”
Solidarity for the Future
This is not just about protecting MAPs, it is about safeguarding equity, fairness, and the integrity of multidisciplinary care in the NHS. UMAPs remains committed to fostering positive relationships with organisations acting in good faith and urges all medical institutions to collaborate with UMAPs and CMAPs to find constructive solutions. All parties should pause and look to the Leng Review results; without seeking to undermine it prior to its findings.
This is not just about one profession, it is about equity, integrity, and the future of the NHS workforce.
UMAPs will continue reaching out to affected PAs over the winter break and progressing legal cases against responsible organisations.
For Media Inquiries:
PA Stephen Nash
General Secretary, UMAPs Trade Union
info@umaps.org.uk
About UMAPs
The United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of MAPs across the UK. Focused on workplace representation, professional development, and equity, UMAPs works tirelessly to ensure that MAPs thrive in their roles and continue to contribute effectively to patient care.
