Hospitals have hailed an improved government offer to resident doctors as a “huge move”, despite union warnings that it does nothing to address their concerns on pay.

British Medical Association leaders said although the offer was a “mixed bag” they would consult their membership on whether to call off planned strike action starting next week.

In a last-minute attempt to avert the strikes, due to start on Wednesday, Wes Streeting, the health secretary, pledged to double the number of extra places that early career doctors in England can apply for in order to train in their chosen area of specialism.

The union agreed to put the offer to resident – formerly junior – doctors in a survey and promised it would cancel the five-day stoppage due to start on 17 December if the majority voted

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