Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Streeting denies changing pay deal for resident doctors

Health Secretary defends government’s stance amid ongoing strikes

Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC that the government “categorically” has not modified its agreement with resident doctors to resolve disputes over wages and working conditions. He also mentioned his intent to engage with the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee for more discussions, but claimed the union had “point blank refused” the opportunity.

“There’s a deal on the table that would have given them an average 4.9% more for this year, 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors,” Streeting stated during an interview with Victoria Derbyshire.

Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctors’ committee, responded by noting that one or two-year settlement proposals were considered in talks. He argued that the government had insisted “a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment” at the last minute. The ongoing six-day strike in England is set to end at 06:59 on Monday.

“The BMA need to stop pretending that I can, there has to be some give and take,” Streeting added, emphasizing that negotiations had reached a point of no further compromise.

Fletcher reaffirmed the committee’s openness to meeting with Streeting, stating they had “negotiated in good faith with a genuine desire to reach a resolution.” He also highlighted that resident doctors received a 28.9% pay rise within the first weeks of the Labour government’s term, though the BMA disputes this, arguing that inflation-adjusted wages still show a 20% shortfall compared to 2008 levels.

Streeting dismissed the idea of a last-minute deal change, asserting it would not serve his or the government’s interests. He suggested the BMA either “didn’t read the detail” of the agreement or “faced with that enormous committee” chose to “more conveniently blame the government.” The interview came hours after the health secretary shared a letter on X expressing frustration over the latest walkout, noting that “most of the deal remains on the table” but the strikes had prevented the addition of 1,000 training spots out of 4,500 planned this year.