Government Withdraws Doctor Training Posts Amidst Impending BMA Strike
The government has withdrawn its offer of 1,000 additional doctor training posts in England, a decision made after the British Medical Association (BMA) refused to call off a six-day industrial action scheduled for next week. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the strike to be cancelled to preserve the offer.
These additional posts were part of a broader package aimed at resolving the protracted dispute with resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated that while a "generous deal" had been offered, the operational and financial implications of the impending strike made it impossible to proceed with launching these posts for recruitment this year.
BMA Expresses Disappointment
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctor committee, described the government's announcement as "extremely disappointing." He expressed dismay that the development of future doctors was being used as a "pawn" in negotiations, reiterating the BMA's willingness to postpone industrial action if a genuinely credible offer were presented.
The government had also offered to cover some out-of-pocket expenses and ensure faster pay progression. However, the BMA concluded talks, citing that the deal, particularly its pay progression element, had been diluted at the last minute. This coincided with the government's acceptance of an independent pay review body's recommendation for a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors, which the BMA deemed a "crushing blow" given rising inflation, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war.
While resident doctors' pay has reportedly increased by a third over the past four years, the BMA argues that it remains a fifth lower than in 2008 when accounting for inflation, using the RPI measure.
The forthcoming walkout, commencing at 07:00 BST on Tuesday, marks the 15th such action since the dispute began in March 2023 and will be the joint longest industrial action undertaken by resident doctors.
