Academy statement on junior doctors' industrial action

A statement by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on junior doctors' industrial action can be read below. The statement is supported by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh:

Issues of terms and conditions are not within the remit of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges or of its member medical colleges. While we fully recognise the right of individuals to take industrial action, it is not for us to comment on the details of the BMA Junior Doctors’ Committee asks.

However, all colleges are keenly aware of the concerns and frustration of doctors throughout the NHS and the intense workload pressures they, along with other NHS professionals, are facing as a result of workforce shortages and as a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are issues which do need to be addressed as a matter of urgency and junior doctors have the support of the Academy and their own colleges in doing this.

The Academy is concerned that a solution has not yet been reached and about the anticipated impact on NHS services and patients that will potentially follow any future action.

We urge both parties to engage swiftly and to enter negotiations with a commitment to work constructively and to offer flexibility. To this end both parties need to rapidly engage with an independent organisation to work out how the deadlock can be broken for the sake of patients and the wider NHS.