We risk ‘sleepwalking’ into a waste of Locally Employed (LE) doctors’ skills to the detriment of patient care, the General Medical Council warns.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"NHS trust leaders appreciate the huge contribution skilled LE doctors make. They work hard to support the wellbeing of this growing staff group and tackling inequalities is a priority.

"Everyone in the NHS must feel valued and part of an organisation offering staff the right conditions to ensure high-quality care for patients.

"Well trained and supported staff are good not just for the quality of patient care but are more likely to stay in the NHS which, at the last count, has nearly 113,000 vacancies across England."