Jeremy Vine has been hit with 2,250 Ofcom complaints by viewers who were angered by a debate on his Channel 5 programme. The complaints relate to a discussion about the junior doctor pay dispute on March 13.
During the broadcast, Jeremy invited Lin Mei and Kevin Maguire to discuss junior doctors in the NHS in England taking strike action over pay disputes. Lin argued: "We need doctors and I don't think the job of being a doctor is as attractive anymore so I do agree they need a pay rise but 35% is a stretch.
"Essentially like [Jeremy] said being a doctor is like being in other fields as graduate or apprentice. Now the average for a graduate is £25,000, so they're still getting more than the average graduate."
But, Jeremy argued junior doctors enter the job market "loaded with debt" because of the intensive training they undergo, reports The Mirror. Lin hit back and claimed a 35% pay rise is not "achievable or doable".
Kevin disagreed with his co-panellist and argued: "Junior doctors makes it sound like they're hardly doing anything. Most of the doctors we will encounter are junior doctors."
The discussion sparked a debate on social media as Jeremy Vine viewers shared their support for junior doctors. One angry viewer wrote: "We spent two years clapping for them, praising them for their dedication and bravery. Now they want something, they're being villianised by the establishment that made them realise their worth?! All healthcare professionals should be paid what they are worth."
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"The term junior doctor is misleading. All hospital doctors below consultants are junior. If 35% is too high, offer 25%. As with all Unions, you make a pitch and then negotiate. Doctors are undervalued, underpaid and overworked. They deserve much better," another shared.
"It’s not just a matter of ‘deserving it’. Everyone deserves a good wage. Rather it should reflect the job they’re actually qualified to do and the responsibility that comes with it. You can’t put a price on healthcare. Pay them what they’re due," a third added.
