Poor pay is spurring doctors to leave the country
Pay discontent among doctors working in the UK is a key reason why many are considering working abroad.
The financial consideration is highlighted in independent research for the GMC which found that other factors were feeling undervalued, a lack of progression opportunities and disillusionment with the UK’s healthcare systems.
More than 3,000 doctors took part in the survey and, when asked how likely they were to move abroad to practise medicine in the next 12 months, 13% answered ‘very likely’. A further 17% said they were ‘fairly likely’.
GMC figures show around 4,000 doctors who gave up their licence to practise or left the medical register in 2023 gave ‘going to practise abroad’ as one reason for leaving.
A third of leavers were returning to a home country, 9% for ‘caring responsibilities’. High numbers also migrate into the UK.
Dr Latifa Patel, chair of the BMA’s representative body, said when doctors under pressure saw adverts for better pay and working conditions, plus improved lifestyle and sustainable work-life balance on offer overseas, many would find it an offer they felt they could not refuse.