Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Streeting denies altering pay deal for resident doctors
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed to the BBC that the government did not modify its agreement with resident doctors to resolve ongoing labor disputes. He emphasized the deal remains unchanged, stating the government had “categorically” not made any adjustments. Streeting expressed a desire to meet with the “organ grinders” from the British Medical Association (BMA) resident doctors’ committee, aiming to continue talks, but noted they had “point blank refused” the opportunity.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA committee, responded by stating that one or two-year settlements were discussed during negotiations. However, he pointed out the government insisted “a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment” at the very last minute. The current six-day walkout in England is set to conclude at 06:59 on Monday. Despite this, Fletcher reaffirmed the committee’s willingness to engage with Streeting, calling the BMA’s approach “open and genuine” in its efforts to find a resolution.
Pay rises and inflation concerns
Streeting highlighted that resident doctors received a 28.9% pay increase within the first weeks of the Labour government. He outlined a proposed deal offering an average 4.9% additional raise for the current year and 7.1% for the lowest-paid doctors. However, the BMA argues that even with a 33% overall rise over the past four years, doctors still earn 20% less than they did in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
“There’s a deal on the table that would have given them an average 4.9% more for this year, 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors.” – Wes Streeting
Addressing claims that the deal had been changed at the last minute, Streeting asserted this would not serve the “interest or the government’s” in resolving the conflict. He suggested the BMA either overlooked the deal’s specifics or chose to blame the government for convenience. Streeting added, “We’ve gone as far as we can, I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA, I’m not pretending I’ve solved all of their problems in less than two years. The BMA need to stop pretending that I can, there has to be some give and take.”
Latest communication from the health secretary
The interview followed the release of a letter Streeting published on X, addressed to the doctors’ union. In the message, he conveyed “disappointment and frustration” over the recent walkout, noting that “most of the deal remains on the table.” However, he explained that the financial and operational strain of the strikes has prevented the government from allocating 1,000 of the 4,500 additional training spots to this year.
