Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Health Secretary Wes Streeting addressed claims that the government had altered the terms of a pay agreement with resident doctors, insisting the deal remained unchanged. He stated to the BBC that the current dispute over wages and working conditions was not due to a last-minute adjustment, but rather a disagreement over the duration of the proposed resolution.

BMA challenges the timeline of negotiations

Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the British Medical Association (BMA) resident doctors’ committee, clarified that discussions included one or two-year settlements. However, he noted the government abruptly shifted to a three-year deal, reducing overall funding. The BMA emphasized the need for a fairer arrangement, arguing that the pay increase still falls short of pre-2008 levels when adjusted for inflation.

“At the very last minute, the government insisted a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment,” Fletcher stated in a response to the BBC.

Streeting highlights existing pay improvements

During an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Streeting cited a 28.9% pay raise for resident doctors within the first weeks of the Labour government’s tenure. He outlined a proposed deal offering an average 4.9% increase this year and 7.1% for lower-paid staff. Despite a cumulative 33% rise over the past four years, the BMA contends doctors remain underpaid compared to 2008 figures.

“There’s a deal on the table that would have given them an average 4.9% more for this year, 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors,” Streeting explained.

Streeting dismissed the idea that the government had “changed the deal” at the eleventh hour, suggesting the BMA either overlooked the details or chose to blame the administration for convenience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue, stating: “We’ve gone as far as we can, but I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA.”

“The BMA need to stop pretending that I can, there has to be some give and take,” he added.

The interview followed the release of a letter from Streeting to the doctors’ union, expressing frustration over the latest strike. While acknowledging most of the agreement remains intact, he noted the BMA’s walkout forced the government to delay 1,000 of the 4,500 planned training spots for this year.