Hopes are rising that a series of strikes by junior doctors can be averted as their leaders and the health secretary hold talks at ACAS to try to settle their dispute. Negotiations to find a compromise agreeable to both sides over a new contract have begun - the first formal face-to-face discussions in thirteen months between representatives of the British Medical Association, NHS Employers, and Department of Health civil servants. As recently as last weekend Hunt had ruled out direct talks without preconditions between the two sides, despite NHS bosses and senior doctors making it clear privately that he should be more flexible to avoid industrial action.