Jeremy Hunt has said it is not possible to “change or delay” controversial contracts for junior doctors following an offer to avert next week’s strike.
Thousands of junior doctors are set to strike next week but the British Medical Association said it will call off industrial action if the Health Secretary removes his threat to impose the new contract.
But in response to the BMA’s junior doctor committee chairman, Dr Johann Malawana, Mr Hunt said it was impossible to meet the demand.
In a letter, he said: "It is not now possible to change or delay the introduction of this contract without creating unacceptable disruption for the NHS."
The General Medical Council has warned hospitals could struggle during next week’s walkouts which take place from 8am to 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Four strikes have taken place over the contract row since the start of the year but this time full labour, including emergency care, will be withdrawn.
Earlier, Dr Malawana said the key to ending the strike rested in Mr Hunt’s hands.
He said: "With preparations under way for the first full walk-out of doctors in this country, the Government cannot continue to stick its head in the sand."
The Department for Health said more than 500 medics have already signed up to the contract.
A spokeswoman said: “We have today written to the BMA to make clear that it is not credible to call for imposition to be lifted when they refused to negotiate on the one remaining issue of Saturday pay that separates the two sides.
"More than 500 doctors have already signed up to a new contract that was 90% agreed with the BMA, following 75 meetings and 73 concessions made by the Government."
Additional reporting by PA
