Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Streeting Denies Altering Pay Agreement for Resident Doctors

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has asserted that the government “categorically” did not modify the existing pay arrangement with resident doctors, which has been at the heart of recent disputes. He emphasized that the agreement remains intact, even as the ongoing strike action continues. Streeting proposed meeting with the British Medical Association (BMA)’s resident doctors’ committee, but claimed the group “flatly declined” the opportunity for discussion.

“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 with BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire.

Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the BMA resident doctors’ committee, countered that the government had “insisted at the very last minute” on a three-year deal with “reduced investment,” despite prior discussions about shorter-term settlements. The current six-day strike in England is expected to conclude at 06:59 on Monday. Fletcher reaffirmed the BMA’s commitment to dialogue, stating the committee remains “open and willing to meet with the health secretary.”

Streeting highlighted that resident doctors received a “28.9% pay rise” within the first weeks of the Labour government’s tenure. He noted that the proposed deal includes a “4.9% additional increase for this year” and “7.1% for those earning the least.” However, the BMA contends that even with a cumulative 33% raise over four years, doctors are still paid a fifth less than in 2008 when inflation is factored in.

“Either the BMA didn’t read the detail of the deal or faced with that enormous committee, it was more convenient to blame the government,” Streeting remarked, defending the government’s position.

In a letter shared on X, Streeting expressed “disappointment and frustration” over the latest walkout, stating that “most of the deal remains on the table.” He also clarified that the strikes’ “financial and operational impact” prevented the government from accelerating 1,000 of the 4,500 extra training spots to this year. The health secretary stressed the importance of mutual compromise, saying, “The BMA need to stop pretending I can, there has to be some give and take.”