Over 140,000 health & social care workers from Europe face uncertainty over Brexit
By News England, , , , , , ,

More than 140,000 NHS and care workers in England face an uncertain future after Brexit unless the Government guarantees the rights of European Union citizens, according to a new study.

Nearly one in 20 NHS workers in England are from the European Economic Area (EEA) while the proportion is even higher in the social care workforce, the TUC analysis suggests.

The figures led to claims that Brexit could leave a “gaping hole” in the NHS if the issue was not addressed.

Theresa May has said she wants an early deal on the status of EU citizens in the UK – but only if a reciprocal agreement is reached with the remaining 27 member states about the rights of Britons in their countries.

Across England, the TUC figures show 90,200 adult care workers – 7% of the workforce – are from the EEA.

In the NHS, the 54,985 EEA workers make up 4.5% of the workforce in England.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The Government is creating appalling uncertainty for thousands of NHS workers and care workers. It’s a terrible way to treat dedicated public servants.

“And if Brexit means they have to leave, our health and social care services will struggle to cope.

“The Prime Minister should guarantee EU citizens living and working in Britain the right to remain in the UK – and she should do it now, ahead of negotiations. It’s the right thing to do.

“And it will regain some of the goodwill Britain needs to negotiate the best possible Brexit deal.”

The TUC analysis shows that some parts of England have a far greater reliance on European workers than others.

In London, 13% of the social care workforce and 9.8% of NHS staff are EEA migrants while in the North East the figures are 2% and 1.5%.

Jon Skewes, director for policy, employment relations and communications at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “To leave hard-working frontline NHS staff in limbo with regard to their future employment rights is an absolute disgrace.

“There will undoubtedly be a gaping hole in the NHS and our maternity services if the working rights of our EU healthcare colleagues are revoked post-Brexit.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: “As the Government has repeatedly made clear, overseas workers form a crucial part of our NHS and we value their contribution immensely.

“We want to see the outstanding work of doctors and nurses who are already trained overseas continue, but at the same time we have been very clear that we want to give more domestic students the chance to be doctors, given the enduring popularity of this as a career.”

Chairman of the council at the British Medical Association (BMA) Dr Mark Porter said: “This analysis highlights the potential damage to healthcare across the UK if the Government fails to grant permanent residence to EU medical professionals working here.

“EU nationals make an invaluable contribution to the NHS. They staff our hospitals and GP surgeries, look after vulnerable patients in the community, and conduct vital medical research to help save lives. They should be appreciated by the Government, not seen as leverage for back-room deals.

“A recent BMA survey of EU doctors working in the UK found that more than four in 10 are considering leaving the UK in light of the EU referendum.

“At a time when the NHS is already at breaking point, to lose thousands of doctors, and the expertise and experience they bring, would be a disaster for patient care.”

Regional breakdown 

East of England:

  • 11,700 adult social care workers (8% of workforce)
  • 6,554 NHS workers (6% of workforce)

East Midlands

  • 6,300 care workers (5%)
  • 2,741 NHS workers (3%)

London

  • 21,600 care workers (13%)
  • 18,528 NHS workers (9.8%)

North East

:: 1,400 care workers (2%)

:: 1,089 NHS workers (1.5%)

North West

  • 6,000 care workers (3%)
  • 5,098 NHS workers (2.7%)

South East

  • 22,300 care workers (10%)
  • 9,542 NHS workers (6.1%)

South West

  • 11,200 care workers (8%)
  • 5,450 NHS workers (4.2%)

West Midlands

  • 5,500 care workers (4%)
  • 3,242 NHS workers (2.5%)

Yorkshire and Humber

  • 4,200 care workers (3%)
  • :2,741 NHS workers (2.1%)

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