Summary
A planned strike by resident doctors in England might be prevented after the government offered a new deal to their union, the British Medical Association (BMA). The proposal does not include extra pay but offers more training posts and covers certain costs, like exam fees. The BMA will consult members on whether to accept the deal, which could stop the strike scheduled for December 17.
Key Facts
- The UK government made a last-minute offer to stop a strike by resident doctors.
- The union representing the doctors, the British Medical Association, will ask members if they support the deal.
- The offer includes more specialist training posts, increasing by 4,000 starting next year.
- It covers out-of-pocket costs, such as exam fees, but does not include extra pay.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting said no extra pay is included because doctors have had nearly 30% pay rises in three years.
- There is emergency legislation to prioritize UK-trained doctors for training posts.
- Intense competition for training posts exists, with 30,000 applicants for 10,000 positions.
- A survey of doctors will conclude on December 15 to decide the next steps.
