Junior doctors announce three more walkouts over contracts
Junior doctors have announced three further strikes following the Government's decision to impose new contracts.
Junior doctors have announced three further strikes following the Government's decision to impose new contracts.
The British Medical Association says the contracts will leave many doctors worse off - a claim the Government denies.
The sticking point is said to be the time at which premium pay rates apply, particularly at the weekend.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt decided to impose the contracts after talks - punctuated by two previous strikes - failed to result in agreement.
The next strikes have been scheduled for:
:: 8am on Wednesday 9 March to 8am on Friday 11 March
:: 8am on Wednesday 6 April to 8am on Friday 8 April
:: 8am on Tuesday 26 April to 8am on Thursday 28 April
They will affect emergency care in England only.
Meanwhile, the BMA is seeking a judicial review after claiming the Government failed to complete an Equality Impact Assessment before deciding to impose the contracts.
Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: "It now appears that in trying to push through these changes, the Government failed to give proper consideration to the impact this contract could have on junior doctors."
He added that the Government could avert industrial action by re-entering talks with the BMA.
Mr Hunt said the new contract will mean an increase in basic salary of 13.5% and that three quarters of doctors will see their take-home pay increase.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: "We have been clear throughout discussions with junior doctors that we want to work with them to look at how we bring about a seven-day NHS which we think is in the interests of patients.
"It's regrettable if they are going to strike again. I'm sure discussions with them will continue."