Britain's junior doctors have agreed to meet with the government to discuss a pay dispute that has been going on for more than a year through independent mediation, the British Medical Association (BMA) said.
The BMA said it hoped the talks, which could last up to four weeks, would “help break the impasse”.
The Department of Health and Social Care said this was an “important step forward”.
Since March 2023, there have been numerous strikes by junior doctors.
The dispute between the government and junior doctors has shown little sign of resolution so far, with the two sides appearing far apart.
The fact that both sides are open to talks with a yet-to-be-appointed independent mediator suggests that they are willing to consider compromise as a way to end the stalemate.
The BMA is calling for a 35% pay rise in stages over several years.
Ministers gave out an average of just under 9% of their pay last year, suggesting anything more is out of reach.
The main focus of the new talks will be finding ways to resolve these differences over pay.
“Providing a path forward”
NHS England's initiatives announced in April included a promise to give doctors more flexibility in choosing rotating shifts.
The attempt, supported by ministers, to improve working conditions for doctors was aimed at addressing some of the issues underlying the conflict.
Mediation service ACAS is not involved in this process and the outcome is not binding on either side.
In a joint statement, Dr. Rob Lawrenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chairs of the Young Doctors Committee, said they were “exploring ways to restore trust” and that the involvement of a mediator would “improve the situation as soon as possible.” There are high hopes that a reliable solution will be reached. Possible”.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said she was satisfied the mediation would take place.
“We hope it provides a path forward,” she added.
