British junior doctors call off planned strike

Junior doctors in Britain called off a planned strike on Monday after last-minute talks with ministers, the British Medical Association (BMA) said.

The government had planned to impose a new type of contract on junior doctors that it says will improve healthcare during evenings and weekends, but medics say the terms would drastically cut their pay.

"Following conciliatory talks with NHS (National Health Service) employers and the Department of Health, we have agreed to suspend industrial action in England, which was due to begin at 8:00 am tomorrow," the BMA said in a statement.

"The government has also agreed not to proceed unilaterally with the introduction of a new contract."

Walkouts had also been planned for December 8 and December 16, threatening mass disruption to the NHS and the cancellation of outpatient clinics and non-urgent operations.

Junior doctors are qualified medical practitioners who are working while studying for postgraduate qualifications to become consultants or general practitioners.

They make up around half of the medical workforce in Britain.

© 2015 AFP