Next steps

Equally, improving retention of the existing workforce is crucial. We need to get the basics right by ensuring access to hot food and drink and rest facilities at all hours of the day, as well as allowing staff time off for significant life events. Helping employees access affordable childcare is also important, along with enabling staff to work flexibly and remotely as working patterns change. It is also vital to support clinicians who are approaching retirement to continue working for as long as they want to, in a way that works for them. Fundamental to this is finding a permanent solution to issues around pension taxation so that senior consultants are not forced to reduce their hours. Employers should work with doctors in their early 50s to minimise burnout by reviewing job plans, as well as facilitating and supporting retire and return arrangements. Everyone working in the NHS understands the scale of the challenges it currently faces, and that tackling the workforce crisis is fundamental to dealing with them. This is not beyond us, but swift and decisive action is needed to ensure that our health and care service is there for everyone who needs it in the years ahead. We eagerly await the NHS workforce strategy commissioned by the Secretary of State and expect it to address everything we have mentioned here, and more.