UK GPs Cut Hours Amid Stress, Childcare Concerns

Official NHS figures indicate a substantial decrease in full-time work among early career General Practitioners (GPs) in England. As of November 2025, only one in 13 GPs near the start of their careers are working a full week, a significant drop from previous years. This trend is largely attributed to the intense job stress and demanding workloads faced by these doctors, alongside practical concerns such as childcare provision. Many newly qualified GPs find the pace unsustainable, leading them to reduce hours or seek alternative roles.

The reduction in hours is not solely due to contractual limitations. Many GPs report working unpaid overtime for administrative tasks, contributing to burnout. This shift impacts patient care, as fewer doctors are available for full-time clinical duties. Reforms and budget constraints have also led to fewer locum opportunities for newly qualified GPs, creating a paradox of patient demand versus doctor availability. The exodus of experienced GPs, often to countries with better work-life balance, further exacerbates the strain on the remaining workforce.

Factors like punitive income taxation and pension system incentives also encourage older GPs to reduce their working hours or retire early. This is compounded by government policies such as free childcare offers, which some GPs utilize by cutting their hours to qualify. The NHS maintains that increasing GP numbers and offering flexibility are priorities, yet the current data points to a workforce actively choosing part-time roles, necessitating a strategic re-evaluation of how general practice operates to ensure continued patient access and quality of care.