Strikes are causing rift between junior doctors as many disagree with union’s timing, says the Health Secretary

STRIKES are causing a rift between junior doctors as many disagree with their union’s timing, according to the Health Secretary.

Medics are midway through a walkout before more planned action from January 3.

But Victoria Atkins said: “There will be many doctors who feel deeply uncomfortable that their committee has called these strikes at this time.

“I’d encourage them to quietly consider whether this committee is representing their views.”

Relationships are also getting strained as others “pick up the slack”, she added.

It comes as NHS bosses predict the toughest winter in memory.

More than 2.4 million Brits are said to have Covid and hospital admissions for the bug, plus flu and norovirus, are rising fast.

The British Medical Association insisted its members are united, and called on the Government to resume pay talks.

It said: “We did not walk away from negotiations and we are happy to talk to Ms Atkins at any time.”

Seventy per cent of its junior doctors voted to strike in the latest ballot in August.