Qualifying Period for Settlement Impact on NHS Staffing 2025-07-07
2025-07-07
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Constituents working in health and social care in Truro and Falmouth have expressed concerns about the proposed changes to the standard qualifying period for settlement. Dr Mohamed Abdelazim, a doctor at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, has not completed his five-year eligibility period and fears that the policy will severely impact him.
What discussions has she had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the proposed increase to the standard qualifying period for settlement on NHS staffing levels? I have been contacted by constituents working in health and social care who are concerned about the proposed changes. Dr Mohamed Abdelazim works as a doctor at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and has not quite completed his five-year eligibility period, stating that the policy will directly and severely impact him and hundreds of other frontline workers. Will the proposed increase to 10 years impact my constituents retrospectively, and might they be able to reduce this period based on their contributions?
I understand the concerns raised by my hon. Friend’s constituents about the impact of the proposals. They are important changes, which is why we will consult on the proposals and lay out more details later in the year, including on any transitional arrangements. We understand the importance of clarity and fairness for those already contributing to public services, and we will provide further details in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify whether Dr Abdelazim's eligibility would be impacted retrospectively or if he could reduce his period based on contributions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth raised concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on NHS workers, particularly those in Cumbria.
Will the Minister be much clearer that this proposal will not be retrospective for people who underpin our health service in Cumbria and across the country? Will she be mindful of the impact on our health service if she goes ahead with a decision—which, at the moment, it looks like the Government are going to—that will hugely undermine the flow of workers who come here to support us and keep us all well?
May I gently disagree with the hon. Gentleman? We do recognise the vital contribution of overseas NHS workers, and we have not yet defined what contributions will reduce the period for settlement, but the proposed changes are subject to consultation. In addition, we are committed to ensuring that the NHS remains supported, while reducing long-term reliance on migration.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear commitment about whether the proposal would be retrospective or if it would impact current staff.
Response accuracy