Resident doctors have “squandered the considerable goodwill” they had with the government by going on strike, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told them.
The medics – formerly known as junior doctors – finished a five-day strike over pay on Wednesday morning. The group were awarded a close to 30% raise last year but say they want more in an attempt to bring their pay back in line with what they had in 2008.
Mr Streeting previously said he would not negotiate further on pay but would consider taking steps on working conditions.
He has reiterated that stance – and continued to put pressure on negotiations to start again on the government’s terms.
The British Medical Association Resident Doctors Committee, which represents the doctors, have not ruled out further action.
In a letter sent today to the co-chairs of the committee, Mr Streeting thanked them for an invitation to “get back to the negotiating table” – but added the barb that it was “ironic because I never left”.
“I am ready to continue the conversation from where you left it,” he added.
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He went on to say the strikes was “deeply disappointing and entirely unnecessary” – adding that there were “seemingly promising discussions” about improving doctors’ working lives.
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‘We cannot move on pay’
Mr Streeting criticised the committee, saying they “rushed to strike”.
His letter added: “The consequences of your strike action have been a detrimental impact on patients, your members, your colleagues and the NHS, which might have been worse were it not for the considerable efforts of NHS leaders and front-line staff who stepped up.
“Your action has also been self-defeating, because you have squandered the considerable goodwill you had with me and this government. I cannot in good conscience let patients, or other NHS staff, pay the price for the costs of your decision.”
The health secretary said he wanted to “reset the relationship” between the government and young doctors following the previous industrial action.
Mr Streeting went on to say he is “serious about improving working conditions” but has been clear “we cannot move on pay”.
“This government is prepared to negotiate on areas related to your conditions at work, career progression and tangible measures which would put money in your members’ pockets,” he added.
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Mr Streeting concluded: “I was critical of my predecessors when they closed the door to the Junior Doctors Committee.
“My door remains open to the hope that we can still build the partnership with resident doctors I aspired to when I came in a year ago and, in that spirit, I am happy to meet with you early next week.”
