Junior doctors will stage three 48-hour strikes and launch a judicial review in protest over the Government's decision to force new contracts.

FEBRUARY 11: Jeremy Hunt accused of "bullying approach" in decision to force junior doctor contracts

Earlier this month Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced he would force the contract by August, claiming the BMA had refused “point blank to discuss reforms, instead choosing to ballot for industrial action”.

Under the contracts junior doctors will get an increase in their basic pay, but will have to work more weekends. Guaranteed pay rises linked to time in the job will be axed and bonus pay for working unsociable hours will be curbed.

Announcing the new round of industrial action today, the British Medical Association (BMA) said the Government can “avert this action by re-entering talks” rather than “ignoring the outstanding issues and concerns”.

The union claims the Government has “failed to follow due process” and is seeking a judicial review of the decision.

Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctors committee chair, said: “Imposing this contract will seriously undermine the ability of the NHS to recruit and retain junior doctors in areas of medicine with the most unsocial areas, where there are already staffing shortages.

“We have already seen NHS chief executives refusing to support an imposition, and patient representatives have said they are appalled by this move.

“The Government must listen to the chorus of concern coming from all quarters and reconsider this disastrous approach.”

The strikes will take place from 8am on March 9 to March 11, then again on April 6 to April 8 and on April 26 to April 28.

Emergency-only care will be provided during the strikes.

FEBRUARY 10: On the picket line: Junior doctors strike over contract disputes

Junior doctors walked off the job for 24-hours on February 10 after previous negotiations between the union and Government broke down.