Junior doctors vote in favour of contract improvements

Junior doctor members of the British Medical Association has voted overwhelmingly in favour in the referendum to support improvements to the 2016 contract.

The BMA says that 9,449 junior doctors, which is 82 per cent of those who voted, showed their support of contract changes, which will see several benefits, including overall increases in pay and for working weekends and late shifts; improvements to junior doctors’ well-being and safety and, to the ability to formally raise concerns when they miss out on training because of rostering problems.

The contract will see an investment of £90 million over the next four years plus an average two per cent pay uplift each year for four years.

Jeeves Wijesuriya, chair of the BMA junior doctors committee, said: “This vote indicates that junior doctors recognise not only the major victories the BMA has secured  – for example, enhanced shared parental leave for trainees and extra funding for rest and fatigue facilities around the country; but that through a new collaborative, constructive negotiation process that has learned from the mistakes of the past, we have made major strides towards a better future for all junior doctors.

“There is of course a great deal more that needs to be done to improve the wellbeing and working lives of junior doctors, and the junior doctors committee will remain at the forefront of campaigns for a better funded, well-staffed and publicly run health service.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I am delighted that we have successfully brought to an end the junior doctors dispute with this landmark agreement. Junior doctors overwhelmingly backed our multi-year deal which recognises their dedication to patients and our nation’s health. Improved working conditions and an 8.2 per cent, four year pay rise will give junior doctors and current medical students the support they fully deserve.”