Junior doctors in England have voted to accept a new government pay deal that will see their salaries increase by an average of 22.3% over two years, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced. This decision marks a significant turning point in the long-running dispute between junior doctors and the government over pay and working conditions, bringing an end to the series of strikes that have disrupted NHS services in recent months.

In a referendum conducted by the BMA, 66% of participating members voted in favor of accepting the offer. This agreement not only addresses financial concerns but also introduces a notable shift in terminology. The government has agreed to replace the term “junior doctor” with “resident doctor,” a move aimed at better reflecting the expertise and responsibilities of these medical professionals.

Announcing the result on social media platform X, the BMA stated, “Junior doctors in England, thank you for voting in the referendum and making your voices heard. The votes are tallied and 65.97% of you voted to ACCEPT the Government’s offer.”

The BMA’s junior doctors committee met to ratify the result and promised to provide further information about the next steps in implementing the agreement.