The BMA will ballot junior doctors over potential industrial action to oppose government plans to impose a contract from 2016.
GP leaders fear the imposed contract could lead to a cut of more than 30% in GP trainee pay, with RCGP leaders calling for a 'cast-iron guarantee' that funding for these doctors will not be cut.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said there is no question of removing incentives for GP trainees, but his pledge has failed to allay concerns.
GP trainee pay
Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: 'We have consistently been clear that junior doctors are not prepared to agree contract changes that would risk patients’ safety and doctors’ wellbeing. The unprecedented number of doctors joining the BMA and the thousands who have attended rallies across England is clear evidence of the anger and frustration felt by junior doctors.
'Until the government lifts the threat of contract imposition and gives the BMA the concrete assurances we require we will continue with the action junior doctors are demanding. The time is well overdue for ministers to listen to what junior doctors are telling them.'
GP trainees joined NHS staff protesting outside the Conservative party conference in Manchester.
