Breakthrough sees doctors' strike called off

PLANNED strike action by resident doctors next week has been cancelled to allow BMA Scotland to ballot members on a new £133 million offer from the Scottish government.

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The deal would see pay increase by around 8 per cent on average over the next two years, mirroring a similar offer accepted by other NHS staff.

Resident doctors had voted to take strike action in the pay dispute, with walkouts planned to begin next week.

But Dr Chris Smith, chairman of the Scottish resident doctor committee, said the union is recommending members accept the new deal tabled by Health Secretary Neil Gray.