Junior doctors are set to take part in three 48-hour strikes as part of a fight against government plans to impose new enforced contracts.

The British Medical Association annoucement comes just two weeks after ministers said they would force the changes on doctors from the summer.

The BMA has also said it will challenge Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s policy in the courts.

Jeremy Hunt has said junior doctors would have to accept a new contract without agreement or further negotiation.

The three strikes in March and April will each last 48 hours, but emergency cover will be provided.

Strikes are scheduled for Wednesday March 9, Wednesday April 9 and Tuesday April 26. They all begin at 8am.

BMA junior doctor committee chair Dr Johann Malawana said the government still had an opportunity to avert the action by re-entering talks with the BMA to reach a compromise on the contract.