Story perspectives

43% of NHS International Staff Consider Leaving Amid Safety Concerns

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A UNISON survey finds 43% of international NHS staff in the United Kingdom are considering leaving over unwelcomeness and safety concerns.
The survey of nearly 1,900 health professionals finds 25% do not feel welcome and 20% feel unsafe.
UNISON warns that settlement-rule changes and higher visa fees could worsen the NHS staffing crisis.
Helga Pile, UNISON's head of health, says United Kingdom's health services would collapse without international workers.

History

Historical Context

The 2016 Brexit referendum initiated the UK's departure from the EU, significantly impacting immigration policies. By 2017, the NHS employed approximately 1.187 million staff, with 135,000 being international workers. A recent UNISON survey indicates that 43% of these staff are considering leaving due to unwelcoming environments, highlighting the potential collapse of health services and the long-term effects of restrictive immigration on public health.

1 of 2

Story summary

A UNISON survey finds 43% of international NHS staff in the United Kingdom are considering leaving over unwelcomeness and safety concerns.
The survey of nearly 1,900 health professionals finds 25% do not feel welcome and 20% feel unsafe.
UNISON warns that settlement-rule changes and higher visa fees could worsen the NHS staffing crisis.
Helga Pile, UNISON's head of health, says United Kingdom's health services would collapse without international workers.

1 / 2