Rising NHS staff exits require urgent government action, says UNISON

Without an urgent retention package, including an above-inflation pay rise, the NHS will be unable to stem the tide of leavers and waiting lists will continue to grow.

Commenting on new figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council ​published today (Wednesday) that show a rise in the number of people leaving the professional register, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“With more than 500 nurses and midwives leaving every week, there’s no room for government complacency.

“The pandemic has left deep scars on staff, many of whom are no longer willing to put up with the constant pressure or the lack of value put on their incredible work.

“Ministers must ensure the reality of NHS work doesn’t push new ​recruits into less pressured and better paid work outside the health service. The huge numbers of overseas staff ​joining must also be welcomed and supported properly.

“Without an urgent retention package, including an above-inflation pay rise, the NHS will be unable to stem the tide of leavers and waiting lists will continue to grow.”

Notes to editors:
-UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.