BMA shares 'heartbreaking' stories from GPs struggling to find work

The BMA has shared “heartbreaking” stories from GPs who are struggling to find any or enough work in the NHS, as the unemployment crisis in general practice deepens.

Speaking at the UK Local Medical Committee conference in Glasgow today, Dr Mark Steggles, chair of the BMA’s sessional GP committee, said the situation is having a “devastating impact” on GPs, and that many are worried about their livelihoods and future in the profession.

The stories were shared anonymously, as part of a recent BMA survey on under- and unemployment among GPs.

Many talked about possibly relocating abroad. One described feeling like they’d been “thrown on the scrap heap”.

Dr Steggles also shared previously unpublished results from the survey, which show that almost 70% of more than 1,400 respondents have reported stress or anxiety because of not being able to find any, or enough work.

He said a further 38% reported low self-esteem and confidence because of the challenges finding work, and that another 37% are having problems sleeping.

The theme of this year’s UK LMC Conference is GP unemployment – a problem that’s been getting worse over the past couple of years because of a lack of funding in general practice.

The BMA recently agreed GP contract changes for 2025/26, and the Government has expanded schemes to help more GPs into work in England, but after decades of underinvestment, it’s not a long-term solution for doctors or patients.

Dr Steggles said: “Bizarre, toxic, scandalous, unconscionable, ridiculous, unacceptable…I’m running out of new adjectives to use to describe the crisis that is GP unemployment and under-employment.  

“It is incomprehensible, at a time of immense pressure on the health service, and patients waiting too long for appointments, that GPs are struggling to find work.”

He added: “These are just a few examples from the multitude of similarly heartbreaking stories we’ve heard from our members. It is abundantly clear - we cannot sit by and accept GP unemployment as the new normal. 

“We need the additional funding to get these GPs into work now. We cannot afford to waste the talent, time, and dedication of our future GPs.”