Responding to the news that the BMA junior doctors committee and the Government have entered mediated talks to make progress on the pay dispute, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“This agreement from the BMA and the government to enter mediation is a hugely positive step following what feels like a period of relative calm in terms of the serious dispute. NHS leaders and patients will be hopeful of a resolution.

“At the same time NHS leaders also accept that there are a series of actions that they must take to improve the working lives of doctors. The clear focus being given to this issue by Amanda Pritchard reinforces the importance of this, alongside whatever resolution the Prime Minister and Secretary of State can reach with the BMA and its members.”