Topic analysis

Doctors’ leader claims new reduced pay offer killed chances of ending strikes in England

Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the British Medical Association’s resident doctors’ committee, claims UK government ministers derailed near-final pay negotiations by reducing the proposed financial offer at the last minute, triggering the 15th strike by resident doctors in England. The Department of Health and Social Care disputes this account, stating the three-year deal would have made doctors 35.2% better off on average, while Fletcher says strikes will continue until their demands for a 26% pay rise and expanded specialist training places are met.