Ministers And Junior Doctors Agree To New Contract Talks

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has welcomed the agreement from the government and the British Medical Association to return to talks over the new junior doctors' contract in England.

The Academy had appealed for both sides to end the dispute after strikes and thousands of cancelled operations.

Junior doctors have been striking over plans to impose new working conditions.

Talks over the controversial new contract broke down in February.

The government has said it is willing to pause the introduction of the junior doctors' contract in England for five days from Monday to allow for talks.

But it said the doctors' union must focus discussions on outstanding contractual issues such as unsocial hours and Saturday pay.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt indicated the government was willing to compromise.

"We've already made three significant compromises on Saturday pay but what we can't do is have a system where hospitals can't afford to roster enough doctors on a Saturday.

"That's the situation we have at the moment - about three times less medical cover at weekends."

He added: "I hope very much that the BMA will take up the offer to talk constructively."

The Prime Minister also welcomed the possibility of talks between ministers and the British Medical Association, saying it was important that the talks focussed on the "10%" of issues in the contract that had not been agreed, "particularly Saturday working".

The British Medical Association has agreed to stall any new threats of strikes - also for five days.

Dr Johann Malawana, the BMA junior doctor chairman, said: "Junior doctors have said since the outset that we want to reach a negotiated agreement, and have repeatedly urged the government to re-enter talks.

"We are keen to restart talks with an open mind.

"It is critical to find a way forward on all the outstanding issues - which are more than just pay - and hope that a new offer is made that can break the impasse."

Professor Dame Sue Bailey, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, called on both sides to end the stand-off after months of wrangling which have led to strike action.

She told the BBC said she was optimistic about the outcome of more talks.

"I think if they're in a safe space with a good senior person there from outside health, they can look at the remaining areas, the 5 to 10% cent that needs to be agreed.

"And really this has to be the way forward because, if we don't, I think in the future we will look back with regret."

Source: BBC