regulatorydefence

Junior doctors in England plan to ballot for further strikes which could run until September due to an ongoing pay dispute with the government. The British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) intends to conduct its third junior doctors strike vote, despite strained relations with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.

Since March, we’ve seen 34 days of junior doctors strikes, including the ongoing longest strike in NHS history, causing significant appointment and operation cancellations. With the current legal mandate ending in February, the JDC aims to gauge support for actions like an overtime ban or more strikes.

Atkins maintains the BMA’s demand for a 35% pay rise is unaffordable and urges the JDC to return to negotiations. Talks collapsed before Christmas, with accusations from both sides.

Prospects for renewed negotiations are uncertain as both sides await the end of the ongoing strike. The JDC denies walking away from talks, alleging Atkins failed to produce a final offer by the agreed deadline.\

Whilst regulatory action is highly unlikely for any junior doctor who has legally partaken in strike action, should you have any concerns regarding your involvement in this or any previous strike action, then Regulatory Defence are happy to answer any queries and hopefully provide a level of certainty during these uncertain times.