The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have published their annual registration data report for the period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024.
Key findings include:
- The number of registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates has grown by 37,723 (4.8%) to a record 826,418.
- The number of leavers as a proportion of the register has fallen, but data show that one fifth of people leaving did so within ten years of joining the profession.
- After retirement, poor mental and physical health, and burnout are frequently cited reasons for leaving the professions.
- Most leavers (85 percent) said they had no intention of returning to the professions in the future. Of those who said they might return, one in five said that they would only return to practise outside the UK
There has been an increased growth from international professionals, up 18% from the previous year. And almost a third (29.4%) of new domestic staff were from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Matthew McClelland, Executive Director of Strategy and Insight at the NMC, said:
“We welcome the record number of nurses, midwives and nursing associates across the UK. This is positive news as professionals face a rising demand for health and social care services, caring for peoples’ increasingly complex and changing needs, and daily workforce pressures.
“As the number of new joiners continues to grow, we are grateful to these professionals, both UK and internationally educated, for the vital care they provide to people every day. We are committed to working with our partners across the sector to provide professionals with the support they need to carry out their essential roles.
“I hope our data can provide the insight we need to support all those on our register, and the wider sector, so they can provide the safe, effective, and kind care the public has the right to expect.”
Read the full UK report, four country specific reports, and data tables here.
