Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, stated in a BBC interview that the government “categorically” did not alter the terms of its agreement with resident doctors to resolve ongoing strikes over wages and working conditions. He emphasized his willingness to engage with the British Medical Association (BMA)’s resident doctors’ committee, calling them “organ grinders,” but claimed they “point blank refused” further discussions.
“There’s a deal on the table that would have given them an average 4.9% increase for this year, with higher percentages for lower-paid doctors,” Streeting told the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
The current six-day walkout in England is set to conclude at 06:59 on Monday. In a separate statement, Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctors’ committee, clarified that one- or two-year settlements were considered during negotiations. He added that the government “insisted a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment” at the final stage.
Despite a 33% overall pay rise over the past four years, the BMA argues that doctors still earn 20% less than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. Fletcher reiterated that the BMA has “negotiated in good faith with a genuine desire to reach a resolution,” while Streeting dismissed the claim of last-minute changes as either a result of the BMA “not reading the detail” or “conveniently blaming the government.”
“We’ve gone as far as we can, I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA,” Streeting said. “They need to stop pretending I can solve all their problems in less than two years. There has to be some give and take.”
The interview followed the release of a letter on X, where Streeting expressed “disappointment and frustration” over the latest walkout. He noted that “most of the deal remains on the table,” but pointed out that the BMA’s strikes had forced the government to delay adding 1,000 of the 4,500 extra training spots for this year.
