Exodus of NHS staff to retail & warehouse jobs
Many quitting in run-up to Christmas
HEALTH and social care workers are quitting for better paid jobs in warehouses and retail, an NHS boss revealed yesterday.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the staffing situation was “deteriorating” in the run-up to Christmas.
The Royal College of Nursing has also told Rishi Sunak’s Government its members will walk out in December over the refusal to award 5% above inflation pay rises.
It comes amid warnings the NHS will remain on a “crisis footing” despite a cash vow in the Autumn Statement.
Mr Taylor said: “I speak to people every day who work in health and social care and they talk about staff leaving to work in warehouses, in retail, something which intensifies at Christmas. “So that situation is deteriorating.” He said there was “no question” that Brexit was part of the problem, as the NHS relied on foreign workers. “Labour shortages are particularly acute in health and care because we don’t pay very much and the work is extremely demanding,” he said. “Brexit cut off a supply of labour and we’ve had to scrabble around now to bring in people, because without overseas staff, our NHS simply would not work.” Health Secretary Steve Barclay admitted the NHS was under “huge pressure” but blamed the pandemic. He signalled he would not support the RCN’s “unreasonable” pay claim. RCN chief Pat Cullen said his “inability to see the urgency of this situation will trouble every nurse”. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The Conservatives crashed the economy and it’s nurses and working people paying the price.”
NURSES and other NHS staff who are quitting the health service for better paid jobs in shops and the hospitality industry is a brain drain that is crippling care.
Until the PM, Chancellor and Health Secretary come up with a proper plan to retain and attract workers, our precious NHS will be in permanent crisis.
Fundamental issues pre-date Covid and, as soaring inflation eats into budgets, record waiting lists will lengthen.
Failing to pay fair and treat staff with respect is sick from the UK Conservatives.