Immigration barriers result in many much needed newly qualified GPs leaving general practice, or leaving the UK entirely. Yet trainees are essential to the future of general practice and international medical graduates (IMGs) make up over 40% of all GP trainees across the UK.
We know from our recent workforce survey and our ongoing support of London practices that general practice in the Capital is in urgent need of staff, and that staff retention is a significant issue. Current visa rules make it hard to retain this key group of staff who want to continue working in UK general practice, and who can have a significant impact on GP workload and wellbeing.
Please share your own experience either as an international trainee or working in a practice seeking to retain or employ an IMG via info@lmc.org.uk.
The RCGP are also seeking more signatures for their open letter to the Home Secretary calling for a national solution to urgently address this matter.