Rishi Sunak wants to find ‘reasonable compromise’ with junior doctors to end strike chaos

RISHI Sunak wants to find a “reasonable compromise” with junior doctors to end the dispute over pay.

The Prime Minister said the militant medics must follow the lead of other unions such as nurses and paramedics to reach an agreement.

AP

Rishi Sunak has urged the junior doctors to follow the lead of other health service unions to reach a new pay agreement[/caption]

It came amid warnings that giving in to pay demands from unions risks stoking inflation and the country’s debt could surge.

He said: “We are happy to talk about pay settlements that are reasonable, that are fair, that are affordable for the taxpayer and allow us to continue delivering on our promise to halve inflation.”

His intervention came as doctors’ leaders called for Ministers to enter talks facilitated by conciliation body Acas.

The British Medical Association has said they need someone to start brokering realistic talks between the two sides.

Downing Street had said there will be no talks unless junior doctors give up their starting position of 35 per cent rise and call off strikes.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay says if the BMA moves significantly on their demands and cancel strikes then talks can resume.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund signalled that higher pay for striking teachers and junior doctors could continue to cause major issues for the economy.

The organisation said big public sector pay rises could have an impact on wage growth by influencing private firms and helping push up inflation.

Getty

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has told the BMA that talks can resume if strikes are cancelled[/caption]