THE government is to enter ‘former negotiations’ with junior doctors to help thrash out a deal that will end future strikes.

Junior doctors have been on strike 11 times in Cumbria as part of their national dispute with the government.

During the recent strike action in Cumbria three planned procedures and 150 outpatient appointments were postponed.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has previously called for a 35 per cent pay rise for junior doctors which they say would make up for ‘15 years of below-inflation wage rises’ which has caused a ‘recruitment and retention crisis’ in the NHS.

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The new health secretary, Wes Streeting has said he is ‘optimistic’ about ending strike action by junior doctors.  

“After a second constructive meeting, I am pleased to announce that we will enter formal negotiations with the BMA junior doctors’ committee on Tuesday,” said Mr Streeting on social media.

“This is a crucial step forward, as we work to end this dispute and change the way junior doctors are treated in the NHS.”