Junior doctors returned to work after industrial action last week, negotiations continue

Junior doctors in the United Kingdom returned to work on Jan. 13, after a 24-hour period of industrial action where only emergency care was offered.

Contract negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the National Health Service Employers and Department of Health resumed on Jan. 14, and were facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Two more periods of industrial action are planned if new contracts are not agreed upon. If contracts are not agreed upon by Jan. 26, the junior doctors will offer only emergency care for 48 hours beginning Jan. 28. If contracts are not agreed upon by Feb. 10, junior doctors will cease all operations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to a BMA press release.
The BMA rejected a “summary offer” proposed by the government earlier this month. The BMA noted the government’s offer did not have adequate safety provisions, and neither side reached an agreement on pay progression, according to a BMA press release.

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