Responding to the IPPR’s report ‘Recover, Reward, Renew’, Dr Rob Harwood, BMA consultants committee chair, said:

“This report underlines the devastating impact on the NHS, its patients and the health of the nation, if the Government does not act fast to properly recognise and reward the sacrifices of healthcare staff during the most difficult year in living memory.

“The findings mirror our own research, with 18% of doctors telling our most recent survey that they’re now more likely to leave the NHS, one in four more likely to retire early and almost half more likely to work fewer hours.

“As the NHS faces its biggest backlog in history, the last thing it can afford is to lose its most experienced and highly-skilled workers, denying patients the care they have waited so long for and so desperately need.

“The Government must heed these warnings. As the BMA has set out, staff need time to rest and recuperate, and ministers must commit to a fair pay rise of at least 5% for senior doctors – a move supported by the public – if it wants to retain the expertise of these dedicated clinicians, and avoid such a catastrophic exodus.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.