2015 junior doctors contract dispute in England key facts and consequences

The 2015 junior doctors contract dispute in England was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences. The dispute began in 2015 over proposed changes to the junior doctors' contract by the Conservative government.

The proposed contract would have introduced a new pay structure, with a basic salary and a performance-related pay supplement. This was met with resistance from junior doctors, who felt it would lead to longer working hours and decreased pay.

Junior doctors were concerned that the new contract would increase their working hours and reduce their pay. They argued that the changes would make it harder for them to maintain a work-life balance and would negatively impact their well-being.

The dispute led to a series of strikes by junior doctors, with over 100,000 junior doctors participating in the action.

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The dispute over the junior doctors contract in England has a long history. The government has described the current arrangements as "outdated" and "unfair", pointing out they were introduced in the 1990s.

Ministers drew up plans to change the contract in 2012. This was the first step towards the current dispute.

The government's assessment of the new contract found that aspects of it would impact disproportionately on women. This is a key concern for the British Medical Association, which is planning a legal challenge.

The government announced in February that they would be imposing the contract from this summer. This decision was made after talks broke down at the conciliation service Acas.

The dispute between the government and junior doctors' leaders in England began with the government's plan to change the contract, which they described as "outdated" and "unfair". The current arrangements were introduced in the 1990s.

The government drew up plans to change the contract in 2012, but talks broke down in 2014. They restarted at the end of last year, but a deal could not be reached, and the government announced they would be imposing the contract from this summer.

The junior doctors' leaders are objecting to the prospect of a new contract, with one legal challenge focusing on the equalities impact and whether the government paid due regard to it. The government's assessment found aspects of the new contract would impact disproportionately on women.

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The BMA began its ballot of over 37,700 members on 5 November 2015 in response to Hunt's contract proposals. This significant step in the dispute was a crucial moment in the unfolding drama.

The ballot was a clear indication of the strength of feeling among doctors, with 76% of eligible doctors voting. This high turnout and overwhelming majority in favour of action is a testament to the determination of the medical profession.

The result of the ballot was announced on 19 November 2015, with more than 99% voting in favour of industrial action short of a strike, and 98% voting for full strike action. These numbers demonstrate the unified stance of the doctors in the face of the proposed contract.

The BMA's ballot was a decisive step towards resolving the dispute, and it ultimately led to five days of talks between the government and the BMA.

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Junior doctors in England took part in the first general strike across the NHS on 12 January 2016, the first such industrial action in 40 years.

Emergency care was still provided during the strike, but routine services suffered, with hospitals cancelling around 3,000 elective operations on 10 February 2016.

The British Medical Association (BMA) argued that the aim of doctors taking part in the strike was not to maximise disruption, but to bring attention to their concerns.

On the first day of action, junior doctors still staffed emergency care, with other medics like consultants and locums able to plug the gaps.

Routine services, like hip operations and knee replacements, were cancelled, and hospitals started rearranging services in advance to minimize disruption.

Junior doctors withdrew their labour for routine care on 10 February 2016, and again on 26 April 2016, when they also withdrew emergency cover.

During the strikes, hospitals cancelled 294,844 outpatient appointments, but there was no significant effect on the number of recorded deaths.

The strikes led to a 9.1% (31,651) fewer hospital admissions, 6.8% (23,895) fewer A&E attendances, and 6% (173,462) fewer outpatient appointments than expected.

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Routine services will suffer during the junior doctors' strike, with hip operations, knee replacements, and routine clinics likely to be cancelled. This is because junior doctors will walk out on two of the strike days, leaving gaps that may not be fully plugged by consultants, staff doctors, and locums.

Hospitals will likely start rearranging services in advance, just like they did in 2012 when doctors took action over pensions. This will help minimize disruption, but it's clear that patients will still be affected.

Thousands of routine appointments, tests, and operations will be cancelled or rescheduled, with the NHS forced to prioritize emergency cases. This is a consequence of the strikes, which the British Medical Association has said is "inevitable" due to the "unsafe" contract.

The strikes are set to take place on the following dates:

The British Medical Association balloted over 37,700 members, with 76% taking part in the ballot.

The government in England is intent on improving the range of services available seven days a week. This is a significant initiative that has implications for the medical field.

Junior doctors in England already work weekends, providing the bulk of the medical staffing on Saturdays and Sundays. They have been doing this for some time.

The government's plans to change the consultants' contract have put them at odds with the British Medical Association (BMA). Talks are currently underway to resolve the issue.

The cost pressures associated with seven-day services are not a concern for junior doctors, who already work weekends.

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