Deal reached in Junior Doctors dispute subject to membership ballot

A compromise has finally been reached in the long-running dispute regarding contract changes for junior doctors, it has been reported.

The bitter argument between the Health Secretary and the British Medical Association has run since late 2015 and seen the first walkout of Junior Doctors in history, in protest of what was seen as “dangerous” behaviour from Jeremy Hunt, who wants to see the NHS move to a “seven-day” model.

The last bout of industrial action saw emergency care withdrawn by Junior Doctors as well, though public support has remained strong for the medics throughout the debate.

Talks have been supervised by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) over the past 10 days, and today it was announced that a compromise settlement for the contract has been reached.

It cannot be implemented, however, until it is approved by the membership of the BMA, which numbers 45,000.