Emergency motion - E5 Support for the BMA and junior doctors

Congress notes with concern the prime minister’s confirmation of the government’s renewed plans to impose a contract on junior doctors in the NHS, following the rejection of the latest proposals in a ballot of BMA members and the BMA’s decision to take further industrial action.

The BMA’s decision to take further industrial action is a direct response to the looming threat of imposition. Congress believes that a resolution to the dispute must be based on a negotiated settlement that promotes the health and well-being of medical staff, high quality services that guarantee patient safety and provides the resources required to deliver fully operational services across seven days.  

Congress notes the work of NHS trade unions in staving off attacks on unsocial hours’ payments for non-medical staff. However, this threat will not be removed without a commitment that the roll-out of seven-day services will be accompanied by proper funding.

Congress therefore calls on the TUC to:

i     continue to provide solidarity and support to the BMA and its members

ii     call on the government to lift the imposition of the contract and work with the BMA to resolve the dispute

iii    continue to support and promote the use of national terms and conditions in the NHS

iv   make the case for a properly funded NHS.

Mover: UNISON

Seconder: Royal College of Midwives