Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has asserted that the government did not alter the existing agreement with resident doctors to resolve ongoing strikes related to pay and working conditions. He emphasized the deal remained unchanged, though he acknowledged the need for further talks with the union. Streeting expressed frustration over the current walkout, which has been ongoing for six days, and hinted at a potential meeting with the “organ grinders” from the British Medical Association (BMA) resident doctors’ committee.
“We categorically did not change the deal,” Streeting stated in an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “They [the BMA] had the option to accept it, but they flatly refused.”
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, responded by saying the union had discussed one- or two-year settlements during negotiations. He argued that the government abruptly shifted to a three-year agreement, reducing future funding. Despite this, the BMA remains “open and willing to meet with the health secretary,” Fletcher added, highlighting the union’s commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue.
“The BMA has negotiated in good faith, with a genuine desire to reach a resolution,” Fletcher said. “However, the government insisted on a three-year deal at the very last minute, which would mean less investment.”
Streeting claimed resident doctors had already received a 28.9% pay increase in the early stages of the Labour government’s tenure. He outlined a proposed deal offering an average 4.9% raise this year and 7.1% for lower-paid doctors. Yet the BMA contests this, pointing out that even with a 33% total rise over four years, doctors are still earning 20% less than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
In a recent statement, Streeting denied the union’s claim of last-minute changes, suggesting they either missed key details or chose to blame the government for convenience. “We’ve done as much as we can,” he said. “I’m not pretending to have solved all their issues in under two years. The BMA needs to stop pretending I can, and there must be some compromise.”
The interview occurred shortly after Streeting released a letter on X, expressing disappointment over the latest walkout. In it, he noted that “most of the deal remains on the table” but highlighted the financial strain caused by the strikes, which has prevented the government from adding 1,000 of the 4,500 extra training spots for this year.