Next week's junior doctors strike is suspended by British Medical Association

The BMA has decided to suspend next week’s 48-hour industrial action as Acas talks continue this week between the BMA and the Government on the junior doctor contract.

Commenting on the decision to suspend industrial action, BMA junior doctor committee chair, Dr Johann Malawana, said: “The BMA’s aim has always been to deliver a safe, fair junior doctor contract through negotiated agreement.

"Following junior doctors’ clear message to the Government during last week’s action, our focus is now on building on early progress made in the current set of talks.

“On this basis, the BMA has today taken the decision to suspend the industrial action planned for 26-28 January, thereby giving Trusts as much notice as possible so as to avoid disruption to patients.

“It is important to be clear, however, that differences still exist between the BMA and the Government on key areas, including the protection of patient safety and doctor’s working lives, and the recognition of unsocial hours.

"Significant, concrete progress will need to be made if future action, currently planned for February 10, is to be averted.”