DOCTORS in East Lancashire could go on strike over plans to rewrite their contracts.

The British Medical Association says its members will be balloted over industrial action — amid fears that thousands of doctors are already looking at taking their skills abroad.

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They are angry over the government’s move to draw up new contracts for doctors, up to consultant level, next year which will reclassify their normal working week to include Saturdays and up to 10pm every night of the week except Sunday.

Medics say they will lose out financially as evenings and Saturdays will be paid at the standard rate. They say this amounts to pay cuts of up to 30 per cent.

Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chairman, said the potential strike is a reflection of the anger felt by thousands of junior doctors towards the government’s plans.

He said: “Doctors across Lancashire believe the proposed contract is unsafe for patients and unfair for doctors and will undermine the future of the NHS. It will remove vital protections on safe working patterns, devalue evening and weekend work, and could have an impact on the quality of patient care if we return to the days of over-exhausted junior doctors working dangerously long hours.

“Around 3,500 doctors applied for a certificate to work abroad in just 10 days following the imposition of the new contract.

“Junior doctors are not prepared to agree contract changes that risk patient safety and doctors’ wellbeing. No doctor takes the possibility of industrial action lightly but the government has left us with little option.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the proposals will not mean pay cuts and junior doctors will not be expected to work longer hours.