Thousands of junior doctors are marching in London to protest 'unsafe and unfair' new contracts
Doctors are marching from Waterloo to Parliament Square this afternoon to protest new government reforms they claim will force them to work longer hours for less money.
The reforms are wide-ranging but the big issue doctors have is the changing of the definition of "sociable hours."
At the moment, junior doctors are paid the standard rate of pay when they work between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday. Any time worked outside of this window earns them overtime pay.
But the new contract would see junior doctors paid the standard rate for working anytime between 7am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday. That essentially makes a 15-hour day "normal" and adds an extra day to the week.
The government argues that it needs this flexibility to deliver a "seven-day-a-week NHS." But doctors fear it could lead to junior doctors being overworked.
By reducing the number of hours that earn overtime pay, junior doctors also say they will see a real-terms pay cut of up to 30%.
An estimated 17,000 people are expected to attend today's protest.
"One former Conservative health minister, previously responsible for the contract negotiations, has said publically that junior doctors are already delivering a seven-day service 'week in week out, day in day out, looking after patients' and that they deserve a contract that is 'fair and properly rewards and looks after the interests of our medical workforce.'"
Dr Malawana is referencing MP Dr Dan Poulter, who released a video statement supporting junior doctors earlier this week.
"We have always stated that without the continued threats of imposition and pre-conditions, the BMA would be happy to enter meaningful negotiations. But until the government gives junior doctors the reasonable assurances they are demanding we will continue with our course of action."