Cumbrian junior doctors have been urged to vote to take strike action by the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA).

Nurses and ambulance workers have taken strike action this year over pay and working conditions and junior doctors are the latest healthcare professionals who are being balloted over potential strike action.

Following a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, Professor Phil Banfield, chair of council at the BMA, said: “The Government wanted to talk about the pay review body and their evidence, while we wanted to talk about how that is not enough, and that any discussion about any doctors’ pay must include full restoration.”

“The Secretary of State listened to what we had to say, and indicated a willingness to work with us, but we need action now.

“If opening the junior doctors’ ballot opened the door to the long-awaited meeting with Government, then we can only imagine what a ‘yes’ vote in that ballot will do.”

 

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