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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte McIntyre

Jeremy Vine hit with storm of Ofcom complaints after furious row over junior doctors' pay

Jeremy Vine has been hit with 2,250 Ofcom complaints by angry viewers who were not happy with a debate on the Channel 5 programme concerning the junior doctors pay dispute.

The Channel 5 news discussion programme received complaints for the show that aired on March, 13.

Last Monday, Jeremy invited broadcasters 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 percent is a stretch.

Jeremy Vine asked the panel to discuss junior doctors going on strike (CHANNEL 5)

"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."

However, Jeremy argued junior doctors enter the job market "loaded with debt" because of the intensive training they undergo.

Lin hit back and claimed a 35 percent pay rise is not "achievable or doable".

Kevin disagreed with his co-panelist and argued: "Junior doctors makes it sound like they're hardly doing anything. Most of the doctors we will encounter are junior doctors."

Jeremy Vine's Channel 5 show sparked Ofcom complaints (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The discussion sparked a debate on Twitter 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 villanised by the establishment that made them realise their worth?! All healthcare professionals should be paid what they are worth."

"The term junior doctor is misleading. All hospital doctors below consultants are junior. If 35 percent is too high, offer 25 percent. 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.

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