New junior doctors contract talks welcomed

The government and the medical sector have responded positively to the decision to resume talks over the junior doctors contract.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has agreed to a five-day pause in his plans to impose the unpopular new contract on NHS staff, with the British Medical Association (BMA) conceding in return that no further strike action will be discussed during this time.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which brokered this agreement, has welcomed the pause as an opportunity to conduct meaningful talks and hopefully bring a resolution to this dispute.

Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, said: "Junior doctors have said since the outset that we want to reach a negotiated agreement, and have repeatedly urged the government to re-enter talks. We are keen to restart talks with an open mind."

Mr Hunt also welcomed the opportunity to talk constructively, while reiterating his determination to reach a settlement that allows for the provision of more medical cover at weekends.

The drive for seven-day NHS services lies at the heart of the dispute, as the BMA has accused the government of overstretching staff to achieve this aim, rather than investing in new hiring and resources.