Doctors' Working Lives News
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Friday, March 02, 2007
"Jobs crisis for junior doctors"
Preliminary results of MMC applications are coming out, and many junior doctors have failed to be shortlisted for any jobs, according to media reports. With an estimated 30,000 applicants chasing 22,000 jobs, the papers report widespread unhappiness and anxiety amongst juniors. Doctors and their representatives have also criticised the perceived inadequacy of the application process, which was said to place only 25% emphasis on qualifications and CV.
This follows significant glitches in the online application system which have already seen delays to recruitment. The BMA has claimed that the system may be open to corruption (E-Health Insider, The Herald).
According to a Government press release this morning, the Prime Minister's official spokesman has responded that "the important thing was that there were more doctors than before. That was part of the investment that had gone into the Health Service. In terms of people getting jobs, there were the usual processes in place to ensure this happened, but that was best done at an operational level rather than a policy level. The important thing was that the overall number of doctors, as with nurses, had gone up. Put to him that this was all very well, but these doctors could not actually find work, the PMOS replied that the usual processes were in place for matching available trainees with jobs. But this was best done at an operational level."
A second round of interviews will take place if jobs fail to be filled the first time. The second round opens on 28th April 2007. Doctors not shortlisted for jobs will be able to apply for Trust grade (non training) jobs, which will still be available in many Trusts, but it is feared that some doctors may be driven abroad. The BBC reports that doctors are planning a public protest on March 17th, organised by Remedy UK. This organisation is also looking into the potential for a legal challenge to the system. (Telegraph)
More reports can be found at the following pages:
Channel 4 News Special Report
Guardian and Guardian comment
Telegraph front cover and extended report
NHS Education Scotland is providing career planning support for doctors not shortlisted. The NHS Employers MMC FAQ mentions that there are careers advisors available in each Deanery. Advice and support is also available via www.doctors.net.uk. See also the BMA and MMC websites (linked on the left) and the MTAS website, which may have more news as time goes on.
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This follows significant glitches in the online application system which have already seen delays to recruitment. The BMA has claimed that the system may be open to corruption (E-Health Insider, The Herald).
According to a Government press release this morning, the Prime Minister's official spokesman has responded that "the important thing was that there were more doctors than before. That was part of the investment that had gone into the Health Service. In terms of people getting jobs, there were the usual processes in place to ensure this happened, but that was best done at an operational level rather than a policy level. The important thing was that the overall number of doctors, as with nurses, had gone up. Put to him that this was all very well, but these doctors could not actually find work, the PMOS replied that the usual processes were in place for matching available trainees with jobs. But this was best done at an operational level."
A second round of interviews will take place if jobs fail to be filled the first time. The second round opens on 28th April 2007. Doctors not shortlisted for jobs will be able to apply for Trust grade (non training) jobs, which will still be available in many Trusts, but it is feared that some doctors may be driven abroad. The BBC reports that doctors are planning a public protest on March 17th, organised by Remedy UK. This organisation is also looking into the potential for a legal challenge to the system. (Telegraph)
More reports can be found at the following pages:
Channel 4 News Special Report
Guardian and Guardian comment
Telegraph front cover and extended report
NHS Education Scotland is providing career planning support for doctors not shortlisted. The NHS Employers MMC FAQ mentions that there are careers advisors available in each Deanery. Advice and support is also available via www.doctors.net.uk. See also the BMA and MMC websites (linked on the left) and the MTAS website, which may have more news as time goes on.
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