JEREMY HUNT is willing to "pause" the introduction of new contracts if junior doctors agree to talks.

Writing to the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Health Secretary said the Department of Health was committed to the August introduction of the contract, but was willing to hear what the doctors have to say.

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Mr Hunt added that he expected the discussions to be based on the contractual issues outstanding since February, and not on revisiting the 90% of issues that were agreed, including the cost neutrality of the contract.

He wrote: "However, in response to your call for a five-day negotiating period to consider the process of introducing a new contract and suspension of the threat of further industrial action we are willing to play our part.

"We will pause introduction of the new contract for five days from Monday should the Junior Doctors' Committee agree to return to talks.

"I have already made clear that we are happy to address with the BMA a range of non-contractual issues."

READ MORE: Hunt makes 11th hour plea to junior doctors in England not to withdraw emergency cover during strike