Responding to the workforce and sickness absence figures released today, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:

“NHS frontline staff, whether they work in hospitals, ambulance, mental health, or community services, have all played an incredibly valuable role during this crisis.

“The percentage of NHS staff who were absent from work in April was 6.2% nationally. However there was some variation by region and between trusts. This correlates with those areas facing the biggest peaks of the pandemic, such as in London.

“These figures demonstrate just how committed staff have been to taking care of people as well as trusts’ commitment to creating safe environments for their staff and patients in difficult circumstances.

These figures demonstrate just how committed staff have been to taking care of people as well as trusts’ commitment to creating safe environments for their staff and patients in difficult circumstances.

Miriam Deakin    Co-Director of Development and Engagement

“The workforce statistics for May released today show a 6% increase in overall workforce numbers on last year, strengthened by fast tracked students and returnees during the pandemic who have all contributed to the NHS’ efforts to keep people safe. 

“Building on the aspirations within the People Plan, we now need national policy makers and local organisations to take action to create an inclusive culture across the NHS and care system, to ensure we retain valued members of staff and make the NHS an attractive place to work.

“Looking ahead, we must not underestimate the lasting impact working during COVID-19 will have on NHS staff. According to a survey we conducted in June, 93% of NHS trust leaders are concerned about staff wellbeing, stress and burnout following the pandemic.

“Trusts are doing all they can to support staff, including setting up a range of services such as relaxation and wellbeing hubs and safe spaces for staff to spend some time reflecting and accessing emotional support if they need it.

“Additional support for staff will be a long term requirement, as evidence suggests that staff are more likely to present much later, around two and a half to seven years after experiencing trauma. We will need to continue to track the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce to get a good understanding of the impact COVID-19 has had for years to come.”