Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Impact of Brexit: Recruitment

Tuesday 24 January 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK's departure from the EU has resulted in record numbers of staff in the NHS in England, with over 50,000 more nurses since 2019 and more than 50,000 more people in social care since 2016.
  • The Minister noted that 12,000 more staff from EU and EEA countries are working in the NHS in England since the referendum.
  • The Minister mentioned Scotland's issue of 'haemorrhaging' staff under the SNP-led government when discussing recruitment barriers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Linden SNP
NHS Brexit
Context

The MP asks about the potential impact of Brexit on recruiting health and social care staff.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the UK's departure from the EU's potential impact on recruitment in the health and social care sector?

Answer from Helen Whately

We have record numbers of staff in the NHS in England, hitting a target of 50,000 more nurses since 2019 and over 50,000 more people working in social care since 2016. The health and social care sector welcomes workers from all around the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of Brexit on recruitment was not addressed with concrete figures or timelines.

How: We Are Welcoming People From The Rest Of The World

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Q2 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP addresses the difficulties EU-trained medics and social care staff face due to Brexit, asking for discussions with the Scottish Government.

Question

Given the pressures on all four NHSs and social care sectors, what discussions has the Minister had with the Scottish Government about removing barriers that prevent people from working in these sectors?

Answer from Helen Whately

The hon. Lady's comments are about either Brexit or the Union, but a doctor, nurse, or care worker from the EU can work here, and there are 12,000 more staff in NHS England since the referendum.

Not addressed: The specific discussion with Scottish Government was not addressed.

How: Of Course The Hon. Lady Would Like To Make Everything About Either Brexit Or The Union

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Q3 David Linden SNP
Immigration NHS
Context

The MP highlights difficulties accessing GPs and cites a Royal College report showing EU-trained medics facing visa issues.

Question

In the Baillieston area, many people face difficulty accessing GPs due to a shortage. The Royal College of General Practitioners shows 49% of EU-trained medics experienced issues with visas leading some to consider leaving the UK. When will the Minister address this issue and remove barriers?

Answer from Helen Whately

More than 2,000 more GPs are now working in England. However, I refer to NHS Scotland's record under SNP-led government and their issue of 'haemorrhaging' staff.

Not addressed: The specific issue with GP access due to visa issues was not addressed.

How: I Point The Hon. Gentleman Yet Again Towards His Own Party'S Record In Government

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Q4 Martyn Day SNP
NHS Brexit
Context

The MP notes over 4,000 fewer specialist doctors from the EU/EEA than pre-referendum trends and asks if representations have been made to discuss this.

Question

With more than 4,000 fewer specialist doctors from the EU or EEA in the UK compared to pre-EU referendum trends, what representations have the Minister and Secretary of State made to Cabinet about Brexit's effects on recruitment?

Answer from Helen Whately

12,000 more staff from EU and EEA countries are working in the NHS in England since the referendum. However, I point towards Scotland's problem of 'haemorrhaging' staff under SNP-led government.

Not addressed: The specific issue regarding specialist doctors was not addressed.

How: I Point The Hon. Gentleman Yet Again Towards His Own Party'S Record In Government

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