JUNIOR doctors and medical students across England have voted to reject a contract deal between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government.

In a blow to the BMA, which had encouraged doctors to agree the new terms, 58% voted against the proposed contract while 42% voted in favour.

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Some 68% of those eligible turned out to vote on the deal - some 37,000 junior doctors and medical students.

Following the result, Dr Johann Malawana, head of the BMA's junior doctors' committee, announced his resignation.

Junior doctors in England who are members of the BMA voted in the referendum on the new deal, which followed months of tense negotiations between the BMA and the Government.

They were joined by final and penultimate year medical students in the vote.

The BMA held more than 130 roadshows across England to show doctors and medical students details of the new contract.

Dr Malawana said: "The result of the vote is clear, and the Government must respect the informed decision junior doctors have made. Any new contract will affect a generation of doctors working for the NHS in England, so it is vital that it has the confidence of the profession.

"Given the result, both sides must look again at the proposals and there should be no transition to a new contract until further talks take place.

"Having spoken to many junior doctors across the country in recent weeks it was clear that, while some felt the new contract represented an improved offer, others had reservations about what it would mean for their working lives, their patients and the future delivery of care in the NHS.

"There was also considerable anger and mistrust towards the Government's handling of this dispute.

"These concerns need to be fully addressed before any new contract can come into effect and, in light of the result, I believe a new chair will be better placed to lead on this work."