Junior Doctors Strike Cancelled

The British Medical Association has called off the 48-hour junior doctors’ strike due to start next Tuesday in England.

18:18 20 January 2016

The British Medical Association has canceled the scheduled 48-hour junior doctors’ strike as talks continue between the doctors’ union and the government about the disputed junior doctor contract in England continue. However, a deal is yet to be reached. Should negotiations get stalled or the new terms are rejected again, the planned strike on Wednesday 10 February can still push through.

 

BMA junior doctor committee chair Dr Johann Malawana said: "The BMA's aim has always been to deliver a safe, fair junior doctor contract through negotiated agreement.

 

"Following junior doctors' clear message to the government during last week's action, our focus is now on building on early progress made in the current set of talks.

 

"On this basis, the BMA has today taken the decision to suspend the industrial action planned for 26 to 28 January, thereby giving trusts as much notice as possible so as to avoid disruption to patients.

 

"It is important to be clear, however, that differences still exist between the BMA and the government on key areas, including the protection of patient safety and doctor's working lives, and the recognition of unsocial hours.

 

"Significant, concrete progress will need to be made if future action, currently planned for 10 February, is to be averted."