GPs in Crisis: Why England’s Doctors Are Struggling to Find Work

A new crisis is unfolding in England’s healthcare system as many General Practitioners (GPs) struggle to find employment despite increasing patient demand. Some newly qualified doctors have resorted to working as Uber drivers and other gig economy jobs to cover their expenses. The situation highlights broader employment challenges, similar to those seen in other sectors, such as the ongoing taxi knowledge test debate regarding whether traditional skills remain relevant in a changing job market. Medical experts warn that this situation is unprecedented and could lead to long-term consequences for the National Health Service (NHS).

GPs Unable to Find Work Despite Rising Demand

The British Medical Association (BMA) has raised concerns over the lack of employment opportunities for GPs, citing financial constraints in general practices as a primary issue. According to a BMA survey, one in five GPs in England are considering a career change due to difficulties in securing work.

Dr. Steve Taylor, a Manchester-based GP and spokesperson for the Doctors Association, highlighted the severity of the problem:

"In simple terms, practices haven't had enough money to employ the new GPs that we are training, so there are doctors that are unemployed and a large proportion of GPs are underemployed—so they are not working hours they'd want to work."

A separate study conducted by Dr. Taylor, surveying 1,000 GPs, revealed that one-third of respondents were either underemployed or completely out of work. The situation has changed drastically compared to four years ago when only one applicant would apply for a salaried GP position. Now, up to 30 applicants are competing for the same role.

Growing Fears of a Two-Tier Healthcare System

With more GPs struggling to secure NHS positions, experts warn of a shift toward a two-tier healthcare system similar to dentistry. Dr. Taylor expressed concerns that unemployed or underemployed GPs may be forced into private healthcare roles, limiting access to free NHS services.

Dr. Mark Steggles, chair of the BMA's sessional GP committee, criticized the situation, emphasizing the contradiction between patient demand and GP unemployment:

"At a time of immense pressure on the NHS, and patients waiting too long to be seen, it's ridiculous that so many GPs can't find work."

The BMA’s survey found that 47% of GPs expect to make career changes, with many considering:

• Clinical roles outside the NHS (43%)
• GP opportunities abroad (40%)
• Leaving healthcare entirely (38%)

Financial Pressures and Government Response

GP practices are facing severe financial strain, exacerbated by rising employer National Insurance (NI) contributions set to take effect in April. Dr. Jessica Harvey, a Shropshire-based GP, warned that practices are already struggling to manage costs:

"There's not enough GPs, we can't afford more doctors, practices are closing, patients are suffering from chronic underfunding and to have NI placed on top of that is causing an incredible amount of unnecessary stress."

The government has acknowledged the crisis, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting announcing an additional £889 million in funding to reduce administrative burdens and allow GPs to focus on patient care.

To address recruitment challenges, the government expanded the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), a £1.4 billion initiative introduced in 2019. Last summer, an additional £82 million was allocated to include newly qualified GPs in the scheme. However, experts argue that this is not a long-term solution. The scheme only applies to 1,000 GPs on fixed-term contracts, many of whom must work across multiple practices at lower salaries.

The BMA has called for direct funding to GP practices to increase staffing levels and prevent a "mass exodus" of doctors. The risk is particularly high in August, when 4,000 new GP trainees will enter the workforce, potentially worsening the employment crisis.