The co-chairs of the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee in England have responded to a last-minute invitation from Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, to enter into formal pay talks.
The invitation, sent just before 10pm last night, was made on the condition that junior doctors accept a number of preconditions, including that all planned strike action must be called off, with immediate effect.
Co-chairs of the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee, Dr Vivek Trivedi and Dr Robert Laurenson, write in response: “We remain open to entering talks with government anytime and anywhere to bring this dispute to a swift resolution and restore the pay that junior doctors have lost. We would encourage you to reconsider the preconditions that are currently preventing talks from taking place.
“As you have known for more than two weeks, our strikes will commence on Monday. And you also know, until we have a credible offer, we are not in a position to call them off.”
The letter, in full, is here.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.