AQO 272/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 21/03/2024
Answered On Date: 15/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his commitment to hold talks with the British Medical Association on pay and working conditions.

Answer:

My officials met with the three Chairs of the BMA Committees (Consultants, SAS and Junior Doctors) on 15th February 2024 to initiate and open discussions on the way forward. At the meeting the BMA were advised that I had agreed to implement the DDRB recommendations for 2023/24 as a matter of urgency. My officials also reiterated my commitment to further negotiations when I have greater clarity on any final settlement in the ongoing pay negotiations in England and Wales. The BMA indicated that this commitment was insufficient to meet their demands for above inflationary uplifts and full pay restoration.

I further wrote to the Junior Doctors’ Committee on 20th February and again on 5th March outlining my concerns the impact of strike action would have on patient care, and reiterating my belief that there are grounds for productive negotiations on several fronts which include 2024/25 pay, and potentially reforming the Junior Doctor contract, as well as addressing concerns on working conditions. Further meetings with my officials and representatives from the Junior Doctors’ Committee took place 26th March and are planned for April.

A meeting between officials and representatives of the BMA Consultant Committee has also been scheduled for 10th April 2024.

I have throughout advised that I am more than prepared to enter into discussion to see if there is a way where we can move forward without the need for further industrial action.