Resident medical doctors have “squandered the considerable goodwill” they’d with the federal government by occurring strike, Well being Secretary Wes Streeting has advised them.
The medics – previously generally known as junior medical doctors – completed a five-day strike over pay on Wednesday morning. The group had been awarded a near 30% increase final yr however say they need extra in an try to carry their pay again consistent with what they’d in 2008.
Mr Streeting beforehand mentioned he wouldn’t negotiate additional on pay however would contemplate taking steps on working situations.
He has reiterated that stance – and continued to place strain on negotiations to start out once more on the federal government’s phrases.
The British Medical Affiliation Resident Medical doctors Committee, which represents the medical doctors, haven’t dominated out additional motion.
In a letter despatched in the present day to the co-chairs of the committee, Mr Streeting thanked them for an invite to “get back to the negotiating table” – however added the barb that it was “ironic because I never left”.
“I am ready to continue the conversation from where you left it,” he added.
He went on to say the strikes was “deeply disappointing and entirely unnecessary” – including that there have been “seemingly promising discussions” about bettering medical doctors’ working lives.
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‘No physician desires to exit on strike’
‘We can not transfer on pay’
Mr Streeting criticised the committee, saying they “rushed to strike”.
His letter added: “The consequences of your strike action have been a detrimental impact on patients, your members, your colleagues and the NHS, which might have been worse were it not for the considerable efforts of NHS leaders and front-line staff who stepped up.
“Your motion has additionally been self-defeating, as a result of you have got squandered the appreciable goodwill you had with me and this authorities. I can not in good conscience let sufferers, or different NHS workers, pay the worth for the prices of your resolution.”
The health secretary said he wanted to “reset the connection” between the government and young doctors following the previous industrial action.
Mr Streeting went on to say he is “critical about bettering working situations” but has been clear “we can not transfer on pay”.
“This authorities is ready to barter on areas associated to your situations at work, profession development and tangible measures which might put cash in your members’ pockets,” he added.
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Mr Streeting concluded: “I was critical of my predecessors when they closed the door to the Junior Doctors Committee.
“My door stays open to the hope that we will nonetheless construct the partnership with resident medical doctors I aspired to once I got here in a yr in the past and, in that spirit, I’m completely satisfied to fulfill with you early subsequent week.”
A BMA spokesperson said: “The resident medical doctors committee has obtained the letter from Mr Streeting and is contemplating its response.”
