How many EU nurses are currently working in the UK, and why is their presence so vital to the NHS?

Approximately 26,000 EU nurses are working in the UK, with a significant portion, 17,000, having registered within the last two years. Their presence is vital because they directly address staff shortages across the country, helping maintain service levels and ensuring patient care, particularly in areas where recruiting local staff is challenging. The National Health Service (NHS) has long depended on their contributions to function effectively.

What specific concerns are EU nurses facing in the UK due to Brexit, and how might these impact their decision to stay?

EU nurses in the UK are primarily concerned about their long-term residency status due to potential new immigration policies post-Brexit. Economic factors, like the declining value of the pound sterling, also make working in the UK less financially appealing. Furthermore, uncertainty about changes to healthcare regulations and qualifications recognition creates professional uncertainty. These combined factors could influence their decision to remain, potentially leading to a further depletion of essential healthcare staff.

What steps has the UK government taken to reassure EU nurses, and have these efforts been successful?

Initially, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt attempted to reassure EU nurses by stating their value to the NHS, which was echoed online with the hashtag #LoveOurEUStaff. However, this positive messaging was undermined when a Home Office minister declined to guarantee EU nationals already working in the UK would be allowed to remain after Brexit. This mixed messaging has created a climate of uncertainty, suggesting that the efforts have not been entirely successful in allaying the nurses' concerns.

What are the potential consequences for the UK's healthcare system if a significant number of EU nurses leave the country?

The potential loss of a significant number of EU nurses could place significant strain on the NHS and other healthcare providers. This could lead to increased staff shortages, potentially impacting service levels and patient care. Given that EU nurses help maintain service levels, especially where local recruitment is difficult, their departure could exacerbate existing healthcare challenges.

What measures can be implemented to retain EU nurses in the UK post-Brexit, and why is this crucial for the future of healthcare?

To retain EU nurses, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes providing clear and consistent information about their residency status, ensuring fair pay and working conditions, and valuing their contributions to the NHS. Creating a supportive and welcoming environment is crucial. These measures are vital because the NHS heavily relies on EU nurses. Without them, the delivery of high-quality care for all could be at risk, and the healthcare system could face a significant staffing crisis, particularly given the existing shortages.

EU nurses in front of a fragmented UK map, symbolizing Brexit's impact on healthcare.

Brexit's Impact on Healthcare: Will Staff Shortages Worsen?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Mixed messages and migration policies are fueling uncertainty for EU nurses in the UK, potentially exacerbating existing staff shortages. Here's what it means for the future of healthcare."

The UK's healthcare system, particularly the National Health Service (NHS), has long relied on the contributions of nurses from the European Union. At a time when staff shortages are a pressing concern, these nurses form a critical part of the workforce. However, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit has cast a shadow over their future, potentially leading to a further depletion of essential healthcare staff.

In the wake of the Brexit vote, health secretary Jeremy Hunt attempted to reassure EU nurses, stating, 'You do a brilliant job for your patients, you are a crucial part of our NHS, and as a country we value you.' This sentiment was echoed online with the hashtag #LoveOurEUStaff. Yet, this positive message was quickly undermined when a Home Office minister declined to guarantee that EU nationals already working in the UK would be allowed to remain after Brexit.

This mixed messaging has created a climate of uncertainty, leaving many EU nurses questioning their future in the UK. The potential loss of these skilled professionals could have significant consequences for an already stretched healthcare system. Understanding the factors influencing their decisions and implementing effective retention strategies is now more critical than ever.

The Numbers: How Many EU Nurses Work in the UK?

EU nurses in front of a fragmented UK map, symbolizing Brexit's impact on healthcare.

According to recent figures, there are approximately 26,000 EU nurses working in the UK, with 17,000 having registered within the last two years. This influx of nurses has been vital in addressing growing staff shortages across the country. Their presence has helped to maintain service levels and ensure patient care, particularly in areas where recruitment of local staff has proven challenging.

However, the future of these nurses is now uncertain. Brexit has introduced a range of factors that could influence their decision to remain in the UK, including concerns about their long-term residency status, changes to immigration policies, and the overall economic climate. The potential loss of even a fraction of these nurses could place significant strain on the NHS and other healthcare providers.

Residency Concerns: EU nurses may worry about their ability to remain in the UK long-term, especially if new immigration policies make it difficult to obtain permanent residency or citizenship.
Economic Factors: The declining value of the pound sterling has made working in the UK less financially attractive for international nurses, potentially prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Professional Uncertainty: Changes to healthcare regulations and qualifications recognition after Brexit could create uncertainty for EU nurses regarding their professional standing and career progression in the UK.

The combination of these factors has created a perfect storm of uncertainty, making it increasingly difficult to retain EU nurses. Unless proactive measures are taken to address their concerns and provide assurances about their future in the UK, the healthcare system could face a significant staffing crisis.

The Way Forward: Retaining EU Nurses in a Post-Brexit World

Addressing the concerns of EU nurses and implementing effective retention strategies is crucial to safeguarding the future of the UK's healthcare system. This requires a multi-pronged approach that includes providing clear and consistent information about their residency status, ensuring fair pay and working conditions, and valuing their contributions to the NHS. By creating a supportive and welcoming environment, the UK can retain these vital healthcare professionals and ensure the delivery of high-quality care for all.