Potential changes to junior doctors contract

Abstract

I write to voice my concern over the proposed changes to the junior doctors contract which, if implemented, would potentially come into force at the start of the next training year, in August 2016. The BMA has walked away from talks, stating that the government is not prepared to negotiate reasonably, and has threatened to impose the new contract. Judging by the current mood of junior doctors country wide, it seems inevitable that industrial action will take place. What form this will
take is uncertain, although a strike seems likely. The success of any such action will depend on the support of both other members of the medical profession, in particular the consultant body, and the general public. It is therefore vital that the reasons behind any such action are well understood.