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Junior doctors in England are preparing to ballot for additional strikes, potentially extending until September, amid an ongoing pay dispute with the government. The British Medical Association’s Junior Doctors Committee (JDC) plans to conduct its third strike vote, despite experiencing strained relations with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.

Since March, junior doctors have engaged in 34 days of strikes, including the longest strike in NHS history. This unprecedented action has led to substantial cancellations of appointments and operations, significantly impacting patient care. With the current legal mandate for strike action set to expire in February, the JDC aims to assess support for further actions. These actions may include an overtime ban or additional strikes, depending on the outcome of the ballot.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins maintains that the BMA’s demand for a 35% pay rise is unaffordable. She has urged the JDC to return to negotiations to resolve the dispute amicably. However, talks collapsed before Christmas, with both sides trading accusations regarding the breakdown of communication and negotiation processes.

As the current strike continues, the prospects for renewed negotiations remain uncertain. The JDC has firmly denied any claims that they walked away from discussions, asserting that Atkins failed to present a final offer by the agreed-upon deadline. This lack of communication has exacerbated tensions between the two parties.

While regulatory action against junior doctors who legally participate in strike action is highly unlikely, concerns about the implications of involvement in strikes can arise. If you have any queries regarding your participation in this or any previous strike actions, Regulatory Defence is here to assist you. Our team is ready to provide guidance and clarity during these uncertain times, ensuring that you feel supported and informed as the situation develops.