Will There Be More Resident Doctor Strikes in the UK ? | The BMA's Jack Fletcher
From The BMJ
Jack Fletcher•Chair, BMA's resident doctors committee
Executive Summary
Resident doctors in England recently completed their 15th strike since March 2023 after negotiations with the government broke down, a situation the BMA's representative describes as 'genuinely avoidable'.
The primary cause for the breakdown was the government's last-minute decision to reduce its investment offer and extend the proposed deal's timeframe from a shorter term to three years.
Key negotiating points beyond pay include reforming the pay structure to restore experience-based progression, creating thousands of new training posts, and securing substantive contracts to end the 'gig economy' for doctors on short-term employment.
Despite the recent hostility and strike action, the BMA has formally requested to resume talks, believing a constructive, pragmatic approach can still lead to a negotiated settlement and prevent further industrial action.
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Concerns Raised
The government reduced its investment offer and extended the deal's timeframe at the last minute.
The government's offer contained weak language and mechanisms to guarantee substantive contracts for doctors.
Political posturing and hostile media tactics from the government are hindering constructive negotiations.
Some NHS employers are allegedly ignoring legal obligations regarding contract terminations and redundancy for locally employed doctors.
Opportunities Identified
Reforming the pay structure by reintroducing more pay points to reward experience.
Creating thousands of new, properly funded training posts to alleviate workforce bottlenecks.
Ending the precarious 'gig economy' for doctors by securing access to substantive contracts.
Reaching a negotiated settlement to avoid further disruptive and 'avoidable' industrial action.