After weeks of talks a last-minute offer has been made by Government that the UK resident doctors committee (UKRDC) Executive Committee at the BMA will put to its members. Strikes planned to start from Monday 15th June have been called off while a referendum is held.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of RDC, said:
“We have always been clear that no strikes needed to go ahead if we received an offer appropriate to put to our members. This should not have been left to the last moment, but we hold up our end of the bargain when the Government shifts its position.
“All we have asked for is a fair offer that secures enough jobs to tackle the madness of doctor unemployment and take steps to address the erosion of our pay. Tens of thousands of frontline doctors will now vote in a referendum on whether this offer is sufficient.
“We will always negotiate in good faith and strikes are a last resort that we will only use in the face of complete Government intransigence. When Government moves, so do we.
“Doctors will now have their say. If they say no to this offer we will have to continue our plans for further escalated action across next month.”
Notes to editors
The offer includes:
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4,500 specialty training places over the next three years to tackle the jobs bottleneck
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All Locally Employed Doctors to be offered the terms and conditions of the standard 2016 resident doctor contract
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In combination with this year’s DDRB recommendation, an average 6.6% pay uplift, fully delivered by April 2027, with a further uplift in April 2027 following the DDRB recommendation.
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This would be achieved by:
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Faster nodal point reform
- Pay uplifts twice a year contingent on career progression
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Exam, portfolio & membership fees covered
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Guaranteed annual career progression for doctors who work less than full time who meet their competencies
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Increased pay premia for medical academics
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.