Why are junior doctors striking? Your questions answered

Thousands of junior doctors across England are on their second day of strike action in a row with the Government over a new contract.

More than 5,000 operations and procedures across England have been cancelled as the 48-hour stoppage enters its second day.

Hospitals are expected to be under more pressure than yesterday, with NHS England suggesting there may be more problems discharging patients owing to lower numbers of doctors.

See more on the strikes in the West Midlands here.

Junior doctors are providing emergency care only until the end of the strike at 8am on Friday. Two further 48-hour strikes are planned from 8am on April 6 and April 26.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced he will impose the new contract on junior doctors after months of talks with the British Medical Association (BMA) failed to reach a resolution.

The BMA is seeking a judicial review over imposition of the contract, though Government lawyers have argued this is "misconceived".

Why are junior doctors striking?

The major sticking point has been over weekend pay and whether Saturdays should attract extra "unsocial" payments.

Currently, 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday and the whole of Saturday and Sunday attract a premium rate of pay for junior doctors.

The Government wanted the Saturday day shift to be paid at a normal rate in return for a hike in basic pay.

The BMA rejected this and urged Mr Hunt to reduce the offer of basic pay and instead have better premium rates on Saturdays.

The imposed contract, which is due to come into force in August, has an increase in basic salary of 13.5%.

Under the new arrangements, Mr Hunt said no doctor working contracted hours would see a pay cut, while night shifts and long shifts would be limited.

But 7am to 5pm on Saturdays will be regarded as a normal working day.

Who is a junior doctor?

Any doctor under consultant level.

Will more strikes take place?

Yes. Industrial action is planned for April 6-8 and April 26-28. As with today's strike, emergency care will still be provided.

When would the new contract be imposed on junior doctors?

From August of this year.

How much are junior doctors paid?

Junior doctors start on a basic salary of £22,636 rising to £30,000 within four years. As doctors progress through their training their pay rises.

Will the new contract affect patients?

The BMA says the removal of safeguards on hours risks exposing patients to doctors working dangerously long hours. This, they say, could put patients' lives at risk.