Evidence and survey
Last summer, the BMA conducted a survey of locum GPs, providing valuable insights into the growing unemployment crisis. However, we recognise that this issue is also significantly impacting salaried GPs.
We are now calling on all members affected by GP unemployment to complete the following survey.
Your input is critical to understanding the full extent of this crisis and strengthening our lobbying efforts for meaningful change.
The insights gathered from our last survey have been instrumental in shaping our advocacy work. Below are some of the stark statistics that underscore the urgency of this issue:
- 84% of locum GPs reported struggling to find suitable work.
- Locum GPs experienced a reduction in sessions worked, with an average drop from 5.8 to 3 per week.
- 91% noted a decrease in role availability, further exacerbating the employment challenges.
Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS)
Introduced in 2019, the ARRS was designed to expand the primary care workforce by funding non-GP roles within multidisciplinary teams. However, the exclusion of GPs from this funding has created significant challenges, leaving experienced doctors underutilised despite their critical expertise.
Our view is that the ring-fencing of ARRS funds for non-GP roles, combined with stagnant core funding and rising operational costs, has severely constrained practices’ ability to employ GPs. This leaves practices with no other option but to utilise the resources they have available to cover service provision which has decreased the demand on sessional GPs, leading to reduced job security and financial instability.
Late in the summer, amendments allowing newly qualified GPs to be employed under ARRS funds were introduced. The funding is however controlled at the Primary Care Network (PCN) level, this means that many new GPs face the prospect of relocation to distant areas, disrupting their personal lives and undermining the continuity of care for patients. It also does nothing to address the problem for experience sessional GPs who are struggling to find work.
We are therefore advocating for increased core funding so that practices have adequate funding at practice level to enable them to make recruitment decisions tailored to their patients’ needs.
Register to attend Unite for action: Sessional GP Unemployment virtual rally
The Sessional GP Unemployment Virtual Rally is set for 12 February, between 7.30-9.00pm. This event marks a significant step in our campaign to spotlight the critical unemployment crisis facing sessional GPs. The rally aims to mobilise action, demonstrating the collective strength of feeling, and providing practical advice on how you can apply pressure to drive change.
You’ll also hear from GP leaders who are working on your behalf, sharing updates on their efforts to represent these concerns at both national and local levels.
BMA GP Collective action in England
You will be aware that GP practices across England have been taking collective action since August. While we may not be directly part of the action now, your role as a sessional GP is essential in driving change and ensuring a sustainable future for general practice.
How you can get involved:
- Discuss the challenges of sessional GP unemployment with your practice and emphasise the importance of addressing funding shortfalls, reducing workloads, and advocating for sustainable employment practices through the decisive actions list on the campaign webpage.
- Understanding the broader campaign for better funding and safer working conditions will empower you to contribute effectively to the collective push for change.
The BMA’s GP Campaign webpage provides comprehensive information on collective actions and resources to help GPs navigate this challenging time:
- Safe working guidance
- Guidance on GP collective action
- Downloadable resources to raise awareness of the campaign
By actively participating in these efforts, you will be contributing to a stronger and more sustainable general practice. Together, we can advocate for better funding and create an environment where every GP - salaried, locum or partner - feels empowered to provide the highest standard of care for patients while safeguarding their own wellbeing.