Junior doctors are to take part in three more strikes, the British Medical Association has said.

The doctors’ union also announced that it is to seek a judicial review into the Government’s plans to impose new contracts.

The dates planned for industrial action are over three 48 hour periods – from 8am on Wednesday, March 9, from 8am on Wednesday, April 6, and from 8am on Tuesday April 26.

The strike action will take the form of an emergency care only walkout – the same as in the previous two rounds of industrial action.

The BMA said it was launching a judicial review after discovering the Government appears to have failed to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to its decision to impose a new contract on junior doctors in England, including those at Newham University Hospital.

It said that under the Equality Act 2010, the Government must show “due regard” to equalities issues and complete an assessment, which the union claims the Government has failed to provide evidence of.

Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: “In recent weeks, I have heard from thousands of junior doctors across the country, and the resounding message is that they cannot and will not accept what the Government is trying to do.

“If it pushes ahead with plans to impose a contract that junior doctors have resoundingly rejected we will be left with no option but to take this action.”

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “It is disappointing that the BMA has decided to announce further industrial action despite the majority of the BMA’s concerns being addressed and reflected in the final contract.

“This disruption to patient care is unnecessary. I strongly believe that the final contract is safe, fair and reasonable.

“For the sake of the NHS and patients, I urge all junior doctors to take a look at the contract in detail before taking part in any future action.”