GPs struggling to find employment are considering leaving the NHS to work in childcare or as teachers, the NASGP revealed to GP Online last week.
“One locum talked about going into childminding as a career option, another teaching science in schools – which is not without its troubles,” Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, told GP Online.
“But working as a GP you carry so much risk and you need to keep up to date.”
Members told NASGP last month that they ‘lived in fear’ of failing appraisal due to underemployment.
Leading GP registrars warned that some GPs were now working in underpaid or even unpaid roles to stay on the Performer’s List.
Last year, a GP with two years’ experience told GP Online they were now driving for Uber.
Dr Fieldhouse said: “I am in direct conversation with GP locums, salaried GPs, and GP registrars every day. Five years ago the main topic was burnout and exhaustion from taking on too much work.
“Fast forward to 2025, and the conversations have shifted. Salaried GPs now speak more about the guilt of not being able to offer access or continuity, particularly with so many practices joining the BMA’s call for collective action.
“As for GP locums, there is a sharp geographical divide. In regions where ICBs and LMCs have been promoting and signposting LocumDeck, work is relatively steady. But in areas where practices are still broadcasting single job offers through jobs boards and WhatsApp groups, there is only a trickle of work. So, for those who aren’t able to start drawing their NHS pension early, roles like teaching science and maths lend themselves naturally to careers like GPs with a good science degree. I just hope this downward trend in GP work corrects itself sooner rather than later before we lose these highly experienced GPs for good.”
