GPs face greater workload struggles than consultant colleagues, the General Medical Council’s annual survey for 2025 has reported.
Some 1,076 GPs took part in the survey, which polled a total of 4,697 doctors.
Of GPs polled, 44% are struggling (compared with 29% of all doctors) and 46% report being dissatisfied (compared with 33% of all doctors).
Six out of 10 GPs found it difficult to provide sufficient patient care at least weekly (compared with four out of 10 for all doctors).
Authors note that general practitioners remain ‘the most pressured group in the medical workforce’ – a position seen since before the pandemic.
Despite the poor outlook, satisfaction increased compared with 2023 for all respondents including GPs.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “This latest GMC survey starkly confirms what GPs across the UK are experiencing daily: immense pressure and deep dissatisfaction. With nearly half of GPs struggling to provide sufficient patient care weekly, it highlights long-term, systemic issues within our profession. We’re all familiar with colleagues feeling ‘exhausted, broken and completely floored,’ experiencing moral injury as they are prevented from doing the job they trained for.
“These struggles are rooted in chronic underfunding, a dysfunctional NHS pension scheme forcing senior staff out, and restrictive ARRS funding marginalising experienced sessional GPs.
“At NASGP, we relentlessly advocate for urgent reforms, pushing for ARRS funding to empower practices to hire needed GPs. We also champion tools like LocumDeck, allowing GPs control over their rates, crucial for promoting flexibility and retaining vital talent. It is essential we recognise GPs as a valuable investment, not a cost, for the future of patient care.”