A HIGH court judge ruled in favour of the Government over a contract for junior doctors.

The group Justice for Health mounted a legal bid arguing the controversial contract was "unsafe and unsustainable" and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt acted beyond the scope of his powers by compelling NHS employers to adopt the new deal.

But Mr Hunt said the complaint was without substance and Mr Justice Green agreed that the minister had approved the contract, but had not compelled employers to adopt it.

The ruling comes a week before the new terms and conditions are to begin being rolled out.

Dr Ellen McCourt, BMA junior doctor committee chairman, said the result should not be viewed as a win for the Government, as the ruling did nothing to address the fact morale was "at an all-time low".

"Faced with a demotivated and frustrated workforce, the Government must prioritise rebuilding the trust that has been lost with a generation of junior doctors.

"If even a small number choose to vote with their feet, this future looks increasingly uncertain.”

The ruling comes just a few days after a series of planned monthly five day strikes by the BMA were called off.

However BMA leaders have stressed the fight was not at an end, and are understood to be considering a range of other actions.

Earlier this week Peter Pinfield, chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire, which represents patients, told the Worcester News that if the strikes had gone ahead it would have been difficult for the NHS in the county to have covered them.

Previous strikes latest up to two days, and were covered by senior doctors.

Mr Pinfield added: "This is still not over - both sides need to get round the table.

"The last thing we want is unhappy doctors leaving the NHS and going abroad, to places like Canada.

"The Government and junior doctors need to find a resolution."