Junior doctors reject contract

Photo: Anthony Miller

Picket line - junior doctors and supporters outside the Royal Oldham Hospital

Junior doctors and medical students across England voted to reject the government's proposed new work contract.

Following a long-running dispute with the government, which resulted in several days of strike action and walkouts across the country, BMA members who are junior doctors and medical students, were asked to vote on a new contract.

A series of roadshows were organised for union leaders to explain the new deal to members, which included a new system of supplements of pay for weekend work, after the terms of conditions were outlined after Acas talks between the BMA and the government in May.

Of the 37,000 who voted in the referendum - a turnout of 68 per cent - 58 per cent voted against the new contract while 42 per cent voted in favour.

Following the results, Dr Johann Malawana announced he will stand down from his position as BMA junior doctor committee chairman and a new chairman will be elected in the coming weeks.

Dr Malawana said: "The result of the vote is clear, and the government must respect the informed decision junior doctors have made. Any new contract will affect a generation of doctors working for the NHS in England, so it is vital that it has the confidence of the profession.

"Given the result, both sides must look again at the proposals and there should be no transition to a new contract until further talks take place.

"Having spoken to many junior doctors across the country in recent weeks it was clear that, while some felt the new contract represented an improved offer, others had reservations about what it would mean for their working lives, patients and the future delivery of care in the NHS. There was also considerable anger and mistrust towards the government's handling of this dispute.

"These concerns need to be fully addressed before any new contract can come into effect and, in light of the result, I believe a new chair will be better placed to lead on this work.

"There is much to do to in order to rebuild the trust that has been eroded over the last year. The government must now do the right thing, accept the outcome of this vote and work constructively with the BMA to address junior doctors' concerns with the new contract."