Cameron repeats threat to impose contract on junior doctors

Prime Minister David Cameron has repeated threats made by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to impose a new contract on junior doctors, saying they cannot be allowed to ‘block progress in our NHS’.

Cameron’s comments follow the ongoing dispute between junior doctors and Hunt over the new junior doctor’s contract, which led to the first strike in 40 years on 12 January, with two more strikes planned for 26 January and 10 February.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Cameron said: “We can’t rule that [imposition] out because we can’t simply go into a situation where the junior doctors have a complete veto, block over progress in our NHS.

“But we’re talking to them in very good faith, I think we’ve settled 15 of the 16 issues that they raised, there’s an 11 per cent basic pay rise on the table… and, for instance, we’ve just put on the table the idea no one should be asked to work two Saturdays in a row.

“I don’t want this strike situation to continue. What I want is what I put in our manifesto, which is a more seven-day NHS for which we do need some contract changes.”

The government, NHS Employers and British Medical Association have re-entered talks to try and end the dispute and avoid further strike action. The main point of contention is what will be classed as normal working hours, with Hunt wanting to increase this to 10pm on a weekday and up to 7 pm on a Saturday. The government claims this extension is essential for a ‘truly seven day NHS’, while junior doctors argue that the extension of regular working hours will still leave them financially worse off and over worked, which will have a negative impact on patient safety.