In dispute with junior doctors, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has been forced to go to Acas without precondition. Previously he said that this could not happen unless the BMA resumed face-to-face talks. He stated that it would serve no purpose.
The union offered conciliatory talks to Hunt, but declined to make any concessions in advance. The threat of industrial action starting on 1 December still stands, although withdrawal of labour is very difficult for junior doctors.
United profession
Hunt has asserted his preparedness to 'face them down'. Clearly he doesn't feel strong enough in the face of an overwhelming vote for action on a 76 per cent turnout. The proposed action is supported by consultants. The profession appears to be united. They have not been conned or diverted by false offers. Unsurprisingly the BMA has been recruiting new members as the dispute has progressed.
'Their action has already forced Osborne to front-load revenue promised for the NHS.'
The dispute involves doctors below the level of consultant. If they are able to defeat him on imposition of the new contract this is a significant victory; a taking of ground. Their action has already forced Chancellor George Osborne to front-load the revenue promised for the NHS in his spending announcements on 25 November. And, nominally at least, there’s a ring-fenced increase in council tax to begin to address the issue of social care for hospitals.
Patients who could move out of acute hospital beds are increasingly remaining in hospital because of the lack of social care, causing chaos in some NHS trusts. 90% of social care is contracted out to the private sector, which is close to collapse.
Another gain from the dispute is that the ballot result and its outcome will badly damage the forthcoming Trade Union Act. The doctors are saying to other workers, participate, confront; and the employer and government can be forced back if you are minded to take control.