A deal has been reached on junior doctors contracts after months of strike action, it has been reported.

Government negotiators and the British Medical Association leadership are said to have reached an agreement after eight days of talks.

Junior doctors have been on strike on several occasions since the contract announcement last year.

Most recently, they staged a full walkout, withdrawing emergency care for the first time in the history of the NHS.

The offer will now be put to a referendum of BMA members, meaning it could be rejected.

Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, announced intentions to impose the contracts despite a lack of agreement, in February.

BMA junior doctors committee chair, Johann Malawana, said: "I believe that what has been agreed today is a good deal for junior doctors and will ensure that they can continue to deliver high-quality care for patients.

"Junior doctors have always wanted to agree a safe and fair contract, one that recognises and values the contribution junior doctors make to the NHS, addresses the recruitment and retention crisis in parts of the NHS and provides the basis for delivering a world-class health service."

According to the BMA, improvements for doctors include recognition of junior doctors’ work and contribution across every day of the week, proper consideration of and provision for equality in the contract, including the chance for accelerated training for those who take time out for caring responsibilities and improved flexible pay premia for specialties such as emergency medicine. 

The new contract will be published on May 31. 

The BMA member referendum will be held between June 17 and July 1 after a roadshow to explain the changes. 

More to follow.