What’s the objection to the new contract?
It applies to all junior doctors – that is, doctors who aren’t consultants and GPs – and would change how they’re paid. The major concern is about ‘unsocial hours’ – weekends and nights. At the moment, junior doctors are paid a basic rate for working between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday. Weekends and nights have a higher rate. This higher rate is now being cut. What’s more, the definition of ‘unsocial hours’ has changed – it now doesn’t include Saturday daytime or 7-10pm on weekdays.
Why are the doctors striking?
According to the British Medical Association, it is a last resort: doctors fear the government will impose the new contract despite opposition. The BMA say: ‘We hope the government will see the strength of feeling on this issue and come back to meaningful negotiations.’
Will doctors be paid less?
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in