This Library briefing has been prepared ahead of the forthcoming debate on the implications of the European Union referendum result on the NHS and social care workforce, particularly with regard to ‘safe’ staffing levels. It details statistics on the numbers of citizens from other EU member states currently working in the NHS and social care; examines a range of commentary and reaction to the result of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union and the potential implications for staffing in the NHS; and briefly examines the debate and recent developments on the issue of ‘safe’ staffing levels.
NHS and Social Care Workforce: Implications of Leaving the European Union (384 KB , PDF)
EU nationals currently comprise around 4.95 percent of the staff in NHS trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups, and 5 percent of the social care workforce. Presently, there has been no change to the status of these staff, or their right to remain in the UK. However, a number of health organisations have called for explicit assurances that existing healthcare staff from the European Union will be able to stay in the country in the future, and that the UK healthcare and social care sectors will continue to be able to recruit staff from the EU. The new Prime Minister, Theresa May, has stated her desire to “guarantee the position” of both EU migrants in the UK and UK migrants in other EU countries, but said that no issue should be taken off the table prior to the commencement of negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and EU.
NHS and Social Care Workforce: Implications of Leaving the European Union (384 KB , PDF)
While handling record demand, the social care sector in England is facing workforce, resource and funding pressures. There are also millions of people providing unpaid care. The new Labour government has announced an intention to create a ‘National Care Service’, and to improve NHS and social care integration as part of a 10-year plan for reform.
Between 1970 and the early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients were given blood transfusions, or treatments made using blood products, which were contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV. Over 3,000 people have since died, and thousands more live with health conditions. The infected blood inquiry called for immediate compensation, public memorials, and for lessons to be learned in medicine, government and the civil service. In August 2024 the government set out plans for compensation.
Vaginal mesh implants are used to repair damaged internal tissue. However, many women receiving these implants have experienced severe complications. In 2020, an independent review recommended establishing a compensation scheme for the women affected. The Conservative government rejected this recommendation, saying its focus would be on improving product safety. However, calls for redress have continued, with a subsequent review in 2024 also recommending the establishment of a compensation scheme.
