Migrant nursing staff are considering leaving the UK in large numbers, according to a report by the Royal College of Nurses (RCN). The RCN surveyed its members and found that 42% plan to leave the country.
Reasons for Leaving
The reasons for this decision are varied, but key factors include:
- Pay: 70% of those planning to leave cited pay as a reason for their decision.
- Immigration Policies: 40% indicated that immigration policies impact their decision-making.
Interestingly, it’s not just about returning home; two-thirds of those planning to leave intend to go somewhere other than their home country.
Impact of New Immigration Policies
The RCN’s findings come at a time when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans aimed at reducing the number of migrants coming into Britain. Key points from his announcement include:
- Ending care worker visas for overseas recruitment.
- Introducing stricter tests for foreign students.
These new immigration policies could have serious consequences for the UK’s healthcare sector, which is already facing staffing shortages due to:
- Brexit.
- Changes in working practices related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Staffing Shortages
Research by the think tank Civitas published last week revealed that there were over 1,000 fewer nurses from EU countries working in England’s NHS hospitals last year compared to before Brexit, despite an overall increase in the number of nurses employed by NHS trusts across England since then.
The RCN expressed that it is “deeply concerned” about Mr. Starmer’s plans, warning that they would exacerbate existing shortages within health services across Britain. Additionally, these changes could lead to increased costs, as many migrant workers currently employed have qualifications from countries outside Europe, such as India or Nigeria, where English language proficiency standards may not meet the new proposed requirements.
Responses to Concerns
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for Labour stated:
- “We need more doctors and nurses – not fewer – especially given our ageing population.”
- They emphasized that their proposals would ensure sufficient recruitment while maintaining border security.
However, experts warn that without immediate action on staffing levels, there won’t be enough doctors or nurses available when needed, even if immigration restrictions were lifted tomorrow. One expert noted:
- “It is clear that we do not have enough doctors or nurses available now – let alone if we reduce further access through immigration restrictions.”
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