Junior doctors 'could have legal grounds to challenge new contracts'

Junior doctors could have a case to take the NHS to tribunal over new contracts being imposed upon them, an employment lawyer has warned.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced on Thursday that the terms would be enforced despite failure to reach a final agreement with doctors' union the British Medical Association (BMA).

But Peter Daly, solicitor at Binemans LLP, told ITV News, warned: "An imposition of contract terms such as this can be a breach of contract."

"I think that's what's new about today's development, that for the first time individual doctors will be able to address the imposition upon them as it affects them individually," he said.

The BMA has said it will not accept the contract and would "consider all options", prompting warnings that the NHS could face mass resignations.

Junior doctors contract: A guide to what's being imposed

Shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander also warned of protracted industrial action as a result of the move, which she said would "destroy morale".

Mr Daly said the fact the terms of the deal had changed after the doctors began working for the service could give them a case to challenge their imposition.

He added any claim would "depend on what he was asked to do by his employer".

Dr Ranj Singh, a junior doctor in England, warned that the government's announcement may lead to the "biggest loss of staff the NHS has ever seen".

Speaking to ITV News Presenter Alastair Stewart, he said he was "still in shock" at the health secretary's statement, adding he and his colleagues would have to have a "long, hard think" before deciding whether to sign.