Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Health Secretary Wes Streeting affirmed to the BBC that the government had not altered its agreement with resident doctors, dismissing claims of last-minute modifications to the pay arrangement. He emphasized that the dispute over wages and working conditions was ongoing, yet he remained committed to resolving it. Streeting proposed a meeting with the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, referring to them as “organ grinders,” but stated they had “point blank refused” the opportunity to discuss further terms.

“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 told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.

Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, responded by highlighting that negotiations had focused on one or two-year settlements. He argued that the government’s insistence on a three-year deal at the final stage of talks led to reduced investment, which he saw as a key point of contention. Despite this, Fletcher noted that the BMA remained open to dialogue, stating the union had “negotiated in good faith with a genuine desire to reach a resolution.”

The six-day strike in England is scheduled to conclude at 06:59 on Monday. In a statement to the BBC, Fletcher reiterated the committee’s readiness to engage with Streeting, despite the current standoff. He also pointed out that resident doctors had already secured a 28.9% pay increase within the first weeks of the Labour government’s tenure.

“We’ve gone as far as we can, I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA,” Streeting said. “I’m not pretending I’ve solved all of their problems in less than two years. The BMA need to stop pretending that I can, there has to be some give and take.”

Streeting added that the BMA’s recent strikes had created a “financial and operational impact,” making it impossible to allocate 1,000 of the 4,500 additional training spots for the year. He also mentioned that doctors had received a 33% raise over the past four years, but the union maintains they are still earning 20% less than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. The health secretary’s interview followed the release of a letter on X, in which he expressed “disappointment and frustration” about the latest walkout.