Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has insisted the government “categorically” did not modify the agreement with resident doctors, which has been at the heart of recent labor disputes. He emphasized his willingness to engage with the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, though he claimed the union members had “point blank refused” further discussions. The ongoing six-day strike in England is set to conclude at 06:59 on Monday.

“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 stated during an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.

Dr. Jack Fletcher, the chair of the BMA resident doctors’ committee, countered by stating that one or two-year settlements were discussed, but the government insisted “a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment” at the very last minute. Fletcher reiterated that the BMA remains “open and willing to meet with the health secretary” and highlighted their efforts to resolve the conflict through “good faith negotiations.”

“Despite receiving pay rises worth 33% over the past four years, doctors are still being paid a fifth less than in 2008 once inflation is considered,” Fletcher added. “We’ve gone as far as we can, but I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA.”

Streeting also addressed the union’s claim that the deal had been altered last minute, stating this would not align with his or the government’s interests. He suggested the BMA might have “not read the detail” or “chosen to blame the government” for convenience. Hours before the interview, the health secretary released a letter on X expressing “disappointment and frustration” over the walkout, noting that “most of the deal remains on the table.”

In the letter, he explained that the “financial and operational impact” of the strikes had made it impossible to allocate 1,000 of the 4,500 additional training spots for this year. He concluded by urging the BMA to acknowledge the need for compromise, saying: “The BMA need to stop pretending that I can.”