• Workforce challenges affected by ageing population, problems with staff training, pay and recruitment and squeeze on NHS budgets
• Shortage of available nurses in UK has meant that spending on agency staff has risen steeply
• Department of Health evidence to the MAC suggested it will be another three years before there are enough UK-born nurses to meet demand

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that nurses remain on the Government’s shortage occupation list (SOL). This is outlined in its latest report, Partial review of the shortage occupation list: nursing. The MAC was commissioned by the government to review whether there is a shortage of nurses or specific nursing job titles which it would be sensible to fill through non-EEA migration. Nurses were added to the shortage occupation list on an interim basis in October 2015 to ensure there were safe staffing levels across the NHS over the winter period.

Commenting on the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) report, Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said:

“Given the shortages of nurses, it is vital that NHS providers are fully supported by the government to recruit nurses from outside of Europe to ensure safe and high quality care for patients. We welcome the independent Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendation that nurses be on the Government’s shortage occupation list. The Secretary of State for Health's work to achieve this outcome is particularly welcome. 

Overseas recruitment is an important option for NHS providers

“Overseas recruitment is an important option for NHS providers. The shortage of available nurses in the UK has meant that spending on agency staff has risen steeply. Today’s announcement will help to reduce excessive costs in this area while local recruitment and retention plans for nurses are developed.

Read the full press statement