Overview

• A General Medical Council survey shows 19% of doctors are thinking of quitting UK practice, with 43% researching foreign opportunities and 15% taking concrete steps like applying abroad.
• Doctors cite eroded real-terms pay—down over 20% since 2008—and the perception of better treatment overseas as primary reasons for considering leaving.
• One in three doctors report insufficient career progression and training bottlenecks, contributing to burnout risk and dissatisfaction.
• The GMC warned that losing doctors could jeopardize government targets to see 92% of patients within 18 weeks by July 2029 and undermine care delivery.
• British Medical Association resident doctors and the Department of Health have agreed a strike-free negotiation window through August to resolve pay and working-condition disputes.