JEREMY Hunt will impose a new contract on junior doctors while a Government review will be carried out into what can be done to improve their morale, it was announced today.

The Health Secretary said a new deal will be imposed after negotiations with the British Medical Association stalled.

Mr Hunt said that the new contract will mean an increase in basic salary of 13.5 per cent - higher than the previously stated 11 per cent - and that three quarters of doctors will see their take-home pay increase.

Meanwhile he insisted that no trainee working within contracted hours will have their pay cut.

However, Mr Hunt told the Commons during a statement that the negotiating process with the BMA had uncovered some "wider and more deep-seated issues relating to junior doctors' morale".

As a result he announced a Government review which will look at what measures can be put in place to remedy the situation.

Reacting to the announcement, John Morgan, a junior doctor in Airedale General Hospital's accident and emergency department, said: "Junior doctors remain united against the contract and we were galvanised by the support we have had from our hospitals, other staff groups and the public."