When Labour came into power they agreed to give resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, a 22% rise over two years to end their strikes. They then turned their attention to updating the NHS, unveiling an ambitious 10-year plan to change the way the system is run. But now doctors have gone back to the ballot box.
The Guardian’s health policy editor, Denis Campbell, tells Helen Pidd that the British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors’ union, says the value of their salaries has dropped 29% since 2008 thanks to inflation and serial low pay rises. They want this restored. But with public finances more stretched than ever, Wes Streeting is unlikely to accede.
Denis explains why the BMA is saying this pay rise is “non-negotiable”, and also why it looks as if the resident doctors are losing public support. And even the support of their senior colleagues. What could this clash mean for Labour, trust in doctors – and patients?
Photograph: Teri Pengilley/The Guardian
