UK health secretary to impose contract on junior doctors

In this image made from video, British Health Secretary Member of Parliament Jeremy Hunt delivers a statement to the House of Commons in London, outlining the progress of talks with the British Medical Association (BMA), Thursday Feb. 11, 2016. Jeremy Hunt told the house Thursday that talks had ended in stalemate, and the Government will now impose its new contract on junior doctors, after talks failed to reach agreement.(image from video / PA via AP) In this image made from video, British Health Secretary Member of Parliament Jeremy Hunt delivers a statement to the House of Commons in London, outlining the progress of talks with the British Medical Association (BMA), Thursday Feb. 11, 2016. Jeremy Hunt told the house Thursday that talks had ended in stalemate, and the Government will now impose its new contract on junior doctors, after talks failed to reach agreement.(image from video / PA via AP)

By Associated Press February 11, 2016 1 min read

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s health secretary has taken the unusual step of opting to impose a new contract on junior doctors after failing to strike a deal with thousands of medical professionals in England.

Jeremy Hunt’s decision Thursday comes after the junior doctors rejected the Conservative government’s final offer. The British Medical Association has pledged to consider all options – suggesting further strikes or even legal action.

The dispute between the government and junior doctors – those who are in training but may have up to 10 years of experience – has escalated recently. Thousands have gone on strike to protest plans to change pay and work schedules.

The new contract takes effect in August. But Dr. Johann Malawana says there’s a real risk that some doctors “will vote with their feet.”