New figures suggest some positive progress but more work needed to tackle unemployment crisis, says College

Responding to the latest NHS ARRS figures, Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Vice Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“It has made no sense that GPs have been unable to secure work whilst patients have been crying out for appointments, so it is encouraging that the Government has taken steps - including investment - to break down some of the barriers to GP recruitment, and these figures suggest that some positive progress is being made.

“It should be noted that whilst having 1500 more GPs employed in the workforce is encouraging, when considering full time equivalent GPs - which gives the most accurate picture of the GP workforce and the care and services GPs are able to deliver for patients - the numbers published today are lower, at 851 GPs as of February 2025.

“Despite these figures, we continue to hear reports from members that many GPs are struggling to find suitable employment upon qualification. The reasons for this need to be identified and addressed. Including visa issues for qualified GPs from overseas who have completed GP specialty training in the UK, as well as tackling unemployment and underemployment for GPs at every stage of their career.

“Ultimately, what we would like to see is more funding into core general practice, so that GP practices can make decisions, including around staffing, in the best interests of the health needs of their local populations.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.