London, December 1 (RHC)-- British junior doctors have gone out on strike in protest at controversial contracts that will lead to pay cuts and longer working conditions.

The strike, which is seen as the first junior medics' walkout for 40 years, took effect at midnight. British health authorities say the industrial action will affect more than 20,000 patients in England and will see thousands of operations cancelled.

The 24-hour strike, which was launched over pay and working conditions, is the first of three planned for this month. Junior doctors are dissatisfied with the new changes to their contracts which they say will lead to pay cuts and longer working hours.

They argue that controversial plan pushed through by the Department of Health, will put patients’ lives at risk. Meanwhile, union members have been locked in discussions with health officials.