plans must be ditched'

Resident doctors call off strike after 'intensive' talks as union supports latest £133m wages offer

- BY CRAIG PATON

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

The deal would see pay increase by around 8% on average over the next two years, mirroring a similar offer accepted by other NHS staff. Resident doctors had voted to take four days of strike action in the pay dispute, with walkouts planned to begin next week.

However, Dr Chris Smith, chairman of the BMA's Scottish resident doctors committee, said the union is recommending members accept the new deal tabled by Health Secretary Neil Gray.