Hunt Agrees To Acas Talks With Junior Doctors
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The Government will enter talks with Acas on Thursday after the Health Secretary backtracked in a bid to stop thousands of doctors striking.
Jeremy Hunt had said he would not go to the conciliation service over changes to junior doctors' contracts unless the British Medical Association returned for bilateral talks first.
But in a letter to the BMA, Mr Hunt conceded that "any talks are better than strikes" that posed a "serious threat" to patient safety.
He wrote: "I am disappointed by the BMA's continued refusal to take up that offer, particularly given we have already been through one independent process with the DDRB, and you have not yet even been willing to discuss their recommendations with us.
"Whilst I believe the right thing to do is to return to the negotiating table directly, it is clear that any talks are better than strikes."
The new contract is due to start next summer on doctors up to consultant level.
Mr Hunt has offered an 11% rise in basic pay to offset cuts to the amount junior doctors can claim extra for "unsocial" hours.
Currently, 7pm to 7am on weekdays and the whole of the weekend attracts a premium rate.
Mr Hunt wants this changed from 10pm to 7am Monday to Friday and from 7pm on Saturday evenings.
The BMA insisted on Acas talks after 98% of doctors who were balloted gave the nod to strike action.
Chairman Dr Mark Porter said: "It is encouraging that Jeremy Hunt has made a significant shift in accepting the BMA's offer of conciliatory talks through Acas, finally recognising the fact that trust has broken down between junior doctors and the Government.
"Importantly, Jeremy Hunt must finally remove his threat of imposition in order to defer Tuesday's industrial action."
The walkout is set take place over three days - starting at 8am on 1 December when doctors would provide emergency care only for 24 hours.
Two full strikes would follow from 8am until 5pm on 8 and 16 December.
Acas talks will begin at 10am on Thursday.