Junior doctors to hold three more strikes
Junior doctors are to hold three 48-hour strikes as they continue their dispute with the government over a new contract.
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The doctors’ union, the British Medical Association, also announced that it is to seek a judicial review into the government’s plans to impose the new contract on staff.
The strikes will take place from 8am on Wednesday, 9 March to 8am on Friday 11 March; from 8am on Wednesday, 6 April to 8am on Friday, 8 April; and from 8am on Tuesday, 26 April to 8am on Thursday, 28 April.
The BMA said it was launching a judicial review because the government appeared to have failed to carry out an “equality impact assessment” before it decided to impose the new contract on junior doctors in England.
‘Resounding message’
Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: “In recent weeks, I have heard from thousands of junior doctors across the country, and the resounding message is that they cannot and will not accept what the government is trying to do.
“The fact is, junior doctors already work around the clock, seven days a week and they do so under their existing contract. If the government wants more seven-day services then, quite simply, it needs more doctors, nurses and support staff, and the extra investment necessary to deliver them.”
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced that the new contract will be imposed following previous 24-hour strikes.
The government wants an NHS that works in a similar way seven days a week, but junior doctors are angry that they will be paid less to work on Saturdays in the future.
The major sticking has been over weekend pay and whether Saturdays should attract extra, unsocial hours payments.
Currently, 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday and the whole of Saturday and Sunday attract a premium rate of pay, but under the new contract, 7am to 5pm on Saturdays will be regarded as a normal working day.
Mr Hunt has said the new contract will mean an increase in basic salary of 13.5 per cent and that three quarters of doctors will see their take-home pay increase.
‘Regrettable’
Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said: “We have been clear throughout discussions with junior doctors that we want to work with them to look at how we bring about a seven-day NHS which we think is in the interests of patients.
“It’s regrettable if they are going to strike again. I’m sure discussions with them will continue.”