The long-running junior doctors’ dispute resolution efforts have taken a new turn after the British Medical Association (BMA) and Health Secretary Wes Streeting agreed to resume negotiations. This follows the latest five-day strike by junior doctors in England, which ended on Wednesday. After the walkout concluded, Streeting offered to restart discussions early next week. The BMA has now accepted, though the Health Secretary ruled out pay negotiations, instead focusing on working conditions. These include career progression, exam fees, and shift rotas.
Streeting criticized the BMA for “squandering goodwill” with the latest strike—the 12th since 2023 and first under Labour. In a letter, he called the walkout “deeply disappointing” and “unnecessary,” arguing it harmed patients while derailing productive talks. However, he kept the door open for further discussions. Last month, the government implemented a 5.4% pay rise for junior doctors, following a previous 22% increase over two years. The BMA insists this still leaves earnings 20% below 2008 levels after inflation. While Streeting refuses to revisit pay, union leaders demand a “tangible and acceptable” settlement offer.
Despite the strikes, NHS leaders maintained more non-urgent care than in previous walkouts. Some hospitals delivered over 80% of normal activity—a significant improvement from earlier strike periods where capacity dropped to 50%. Junior doctors make up nearly half the medical workforce, meaning their absence severely disrupts care.
With talks resuming, both sides face pressure to find a sustainable junior doctors’ dispute resolution. The BMA wants concrete improvements, while the government aims to avoid further strikes. As negotiations restart next week, the NHS and patients will be watching closely. The junior doctors’ dispute resolution remains unresolved, but renewed dialogue offers hope. Whether it leads to lasting peace or further conflict depends on what happens at the negotiating table.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
