BMA compiles list to address serious contractual issues for junior doctors
Last week, when the British Medical Association (BMA) decided to pull out of negotiations to change contracts for junior doctors, it did so in way that could appear flippant to anyone who doesn’t read, or respect, Buzzfeed.
In a list entitled ‘10 reasons why we are not re-entering negotiations’, the BMA raised concerns about proposed changes to the contractual rights for junior doctors.
However, by using this ostensibly superficial style of communication, the BMA produced an easy to read, quickly digestible bullet-pointed argument that prompted employer body NHS employers to respond.
The row centres on government proposals to extend routine working hours for junior doctors from 60 per week to 90, as well as clamp-downs on pay progression.
Points on the BMA’s 10 reasons list explaining why they would not return to the negotiating table included ‘junior doctors told us the recommendations are not acceptable’ and ‘to maintain the integrity of the profession’.
The list also highlighted concerns about plans to remove safeguards to prevent junior doctors working dangerously long hours and pay revisions that would mean pay will no longer match the experience junior doctors’ gain through training.
However, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “The BMA '10 reasons for not re-entering negotiations' demonstrate a staggering lack of understanding of what the Doctors and Dentists Review Body recommendations actually are.
“We understand the BMA's concerns about the recommendations and how they might be implemented, but working through these together is the best way to get the most suitable outcome for patients and doctors.”
Mortimer said that the pay system revision includes “higher rates of basic pay”, a standard 40 hour week and a lower cap of no more than 72 hours work in any seven consecutive days, higher rates of pay for night work in return for more hours paid at standard rates, and improved pension benefits.
“BMA consultant colleagues are still talking to us about reaching an agreement on reformed contracts to better meet the needs of patients while being safe for doctors – that is the way forward for junior doctors as well.
“The mid-September deadline is real so far as government ministers are concerned. It is disappointing to not at least attempt to reach an agreement.”