JUNIOR doctors have warned they could strike until next March.
The threat came as ministers told them to accept a “fair settlement” ahead of a 72-hour walkout.
AlamyJunior doctors have warned they could strike until next March unless their 35% pay demands are met[/caption]
SuppliedBMA leader, Dr Rob Laurenson, said his members had given NHS chiefs a ‘clear instruction’ with the walk-out planned from Wednesday morning[/caption]
It would see industrial action stretch on for nine more months — and possibly further if their 35 per cent pay demands aren’t met.
NHS chiefs have already said the service is struggling to cope with ongoing strikes and efforts to cut waiting lists are under threat.
Dr Rob Laurenson, a British Medical Association leader, said his members had given them a “clear instruction” with the walk-out planned from Wednesday morning.
He said: “They would like us to pursue full pay restoration back to 2008 and that’s what we intend to do in our representation of our doctors and our healthcare system. The strikes don’t have to go ahead, though. The Government can give us a credible offer.
“I can understand there’s going to be immense frustration from patients and our other colleagues when our doctors strike — and it’s going to cause an immense source of frustration for everyone.”
But ministers hit back, saying junior doctors can’t spark a “spiral of pay claims” with the Government prioritising halving inflation by the end of the year.
Ministers are braced for more strikes from teachers, nurses and railway workers as unions reject pay offers.
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: “We can’t be in a situation where we end up in a spiral of pay claims which bust inflation.
“So it’s about coming to a fair settlement both for the junior doctors and for the rest of the public services. I hope these disputes can be brought to a close so we can all get on with things we’re trying to do.”