Junior doctors in England have agreed to engage in discussions with the government, facilitated by independent mediation, to address a pay dispute that has persisted for over a year, as stated by the British Medical Association (BMA).
The BMA expressed optimism that these talks, slated to span up to four weeks, could help to break the impasse. Formal negotiations ceased after a breakdown in December.
The Department of Health and Social Care views this development as a significant progression.
Since March 2023, junior doctors have staged numerous walkouts. Until now, there have been scant indications of a potential resolution between the government and junior doctors, with both parties seemingly entrenched in their positions.
The decision for both sides to convene with an unnamed independent mediator signals a willingness to explore compromise and break the deadlock.
The BMA has advocated for a 35% pay increase phased in over several years, whereas ministers have granted an average of just under 9% for the previous financial year, citing budget constraints.
The upcoming discussions will primarily address bridging the disparities in pay. In April, NHS England introduced measures aimed at enhancing flexibility and choice in doctors’ schedules, a move supported by ministers to address underlying issues in the dispute.
The mediation process will exclude the involvement of ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), and the outcome will not be binding on either party.
In a joint statement, the co-chairs of the junior doctors’ committee, Dr. Rob Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi, emphasized their pursuit of rebuilding trust, expressing hope that mediation would yield a credible solution promptly.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins welcomed the mediation initiative, expressing optimism for its potential to chart a path forward.