Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Streeting Denies Altering Pay Agreement for Resident Doctors
Health Secretary Wes Streeting asserted to the BBC that the government had not modified its pay arrangement with resident doctors, which has been at the center of recent labor disputes. He expressed a willingness to engage in further discussions with the British Medical Association (BMA)’s resident doctors’ committee but claimed the group had “flatly declined” to accept the current terms.
“We categorically did not change the deal,” Streeting stated. “The committee refused to consider the offer, even though it was already on the table.”
Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, responded by noting that one- or two-year settlements were explored during negotiations. He argued that the government had “unexpectedly” shifted to a three-year agreement at the final stage, reducing funding as part of the deal. The ongoing six-day strike in England is scheduled to conclude at 06:59 on Monday.
Fletcher reiterated that the committee remains “open to dialogue” with Streeting, emphasizing that the BMA has consistently engaged in “good faith” throughout the conflict. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to finding a resolution despite ongoing disagreements.
Streeting, in an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, stated that resident doctors had received a 28.9% raise within the first weeks of the Labour government’s term. He outlined a proposal that would have provided an average 4.9% increase for the current year, with higher rates for the lowest-paid physicians. However, he acknowledged that the BMA has pointed out the issue of inflation, which reduces the real value of the pay raises.
“The BMA claims doctors are still earning 20% less than in 2008, but that’s not our stance,” Streeting clarified. “Either they didn’t review the details or found it easier to blame the government.”
He added that the union’s accusations of last-minute changes were unfounded, insisting such a move would not serve his or the government’s interests. Streeting emphasized the need for compromise, stating, “I’ll always stay open to negotiations, but the BMA must stop acting as if I alone can resolve all their concerns.”
Hours before the interview, Streeting released a letter on X, addressing the doctors’ union. In it, he expressed “disappointment and frustration” over the latest walkout, noting that “most of the deal is still available.” However, he cited the “financial and operational strain” from the strikes as a reason for not accelerating 1,000 of the 4,500 additional training spots into this year’s plan.
