Junior doctors across South Yorkshire joined others from across England in a four day walkout over pay and conditions. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for junior doctors to be given a 35 per cent pay rise to make up for years of below-inflation increases. However, the government has argued the union’s pay demands are unaffordable. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to BMA representative Peter Jackson.
Thousands of Junior Doctors have taken strike action across the country, affecting around three thousand appointments and operations. It’s the second strike over proposed new contracts. Negotiations have been taking place, but the Government and the British Medical Association have failed to reach an agreement. Picket lines have been outside all major hospitals across the country today.
Thousands of junior doctors have taken strike action today, in a row over a proposed new contract. The first walk out in forty years comes after the Government’s plans for a ‘seven day NHS.’ Prime Minister, David Cameron said this strike, and another later this month, will provide ‘real difficulties’ for patients.
Junior doctors and members of the public took part in a ‘Meet the Doctors’ event in Barkers Pool today. The grassroots movement says the Government’s proposals for a seven day NHS is not fair and not safe. This comes after plans for a new contract which would implement a seven day service of the NHS. Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt has already offered an eleven percent pay rise for junior doctors, and a number of concessions. As part of a national campaign, Junior Doctors were encouraging the public here in Sheffield to sign the petition, and have a photo taken to share on social media.