The increases come into effect in April

The rises range from 2.5% for hospital consultants to 2.9% for dentists. The current rate of inflation is 1.4%.

The increases are lower than those for doctors covered by new NHS contracts for GPs and consultants, which come into effect in April.

The increases were recommended by the independent Doctors' and Dentists Review Body.

Health Secretary John Reid said: "The Review Body's pay recommendations are being accepted in full and without staging."

However, the British Medical Association and the British Dental Association have criticised the award.

The BMA had demanded pay awards of up to 15%.

Pay awards 2.7% for doctors and dentists in training 2.5% for hospital consultants who stay on the old contract 2.9% increase in gross fees for dentists

'No help'

Mr Simon Eccles, chairman of the BMA's junior doctors committee, said: "This is a kick in the teeth for the thousands of junior doctors who work long and antisocial hours to help keep the NHS afloat.

"The government is treating them with utter contempt."

John Renshaw, chair of the British Dental Association's executive board, said: "This is yet another deeply disappointing funding announcement that fails to address the chronic underinvestment in NHS dentistry.

"This will do nothing to help the difficult situation faced day in, day out, by NHS patients and dentists alike."