Wes Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has firmly denied that the government altered its agreement with resident doctors in an attempt to resolve the ongoing industrial action concerning pay and job conditions. Speaking to the BBC, he emphasized that the original deal remained unchanged and reaffirmed his willingness to engage with the British Medical Association (BMA) resident doctors’ committee to continue negotiations. However, Streeting claimed the committee had declined these further talks.

Responding to these remarks, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctors’ committee, explained that while discussions initially included the possibility of one- or two-year settlements, the government ultimately insisted at the last moment on a three-year deal that also involved reduced investment. Fletcher added that despite the difficulties, the committee was still open to meeting with the health secretary. He stressed that the BMA had consistently negotiated in good faith throughout the dispute with a sincere intention to find a resolution.

The current strike, which began six days ago in England, is scheduled to conclude early Monday morning. Streeting highlighted that resident doctors had already benefited from a 28.9% pay rise since the start of this Labour government, and there was an offer on the table providing an average pay increase of 4.9% this year, reaching 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors. Nonetheless, the BMA counters that despite cumulative salary rises equating to 33% over four years, inflation means doctors still earn about 20% less in real terms compared to 2008.

Addressing the union’s claims that the deal was changed at the last minute, Streeting maintained that such a move would not align with either his or the government’s interests. He suggested the BMA might have misunderstood the offer or found it easier to place blame elsewhere given the complexity of their committee. He acknowledged there was a limit to what could be done in under two years and urged the BMA to recognize that some compromise was necessary. In a recent letter shared publicly, Streeting conveyed his disappointment and frustration over the latest strike, noting that while much of the agreement remained available, the impact of the walkout had forced the government to delay increasing the number of training places from 4,500 by an additional 1,000 this year

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