The New NHS Workforce Plan: Why British IMGs Need to Organise—Today
What’s happening?
On 2 July 2025 the Guardian revealed that the government’s forthcoming 10-Year NHS Plan will tell hospitals and GP practices to slash overseas recruitment from 34 % of new doctors to under 10 %. The same plan promises to “prioritise UK medical graduates” for both foundation and specialty training posts, citing the 20,000 UK-trained doctors who will miss out on their preferred specialty this year. theguardian.com
In short: the NHS wants to become “self-sufficient”—and that means fewer opportunities for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), even those who hold British passports but studied abroad.
2. Why does this matter to UK-citizen IMGs?
Current Reality
Incoming RealityUK citizens studying medicine abroad could enter the NHS training pathway on largely equal footing with UK graduates.Caps on overseas recruitment + preference for UK-trained doctors could push British IMGs to the back of the queue.Competition ratios already approach 5 applicants per specialty place.Ratios may climb further as the pool of eligible IMGs remains large but available posts shrink.
Without representation, the distinct needs of British IMGs risk being overlooked in workforce modelling, visa rules, and postgraduate training allocations.
3. The BMA is your collective microphone
The British Medical Association negotiates contracts, lobbies ministers, and sits on advisory groups shaping policies exactly like this workforce plan. Joining—and being active—gives IMGs a seat at those tables:
Membership → Immediate access to policy briefings, legal advice, and IMG-specific networks.
Local Divisions & Specialty Committees → Where policy positions are formed. Electing IMG voices here keeps our issues on the agenda.
Elections → Council, ARM, junior-doctor committees—all set negotiating mandates that affect IMG training numbers and routes to progression.
Tip: Add IMG issues to motions at the Annual Representative Meeting (ARM). Even a single well-drafted motion can shape BMA strategy for the year.
4. Write (or Meet) Your MP
Many MPs simply don’t realise that thousands of their constituents study medicine abroad because UK places are capped. A concise, evidence-based letter can open eyes.
5. Practical next steps
Join the BMA (or renew)
Register with your local division
Stand for a committee seat
Draft & send MP letter
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6. Conclusion
The upcoming workforce plan could reshape UK medical careers for a decade. For British IMGs, silence isn’t an option. By joining the BMA, voting, running, and lobbying, we can make sure the plan recognises all British doctors—wherever they trained—and protects fair access to NHS careers.
Let’s turn concern into coordinated action.
—Gradscape Team
