British doctors are set to be prioritised for NHS roles under new plans to make the health service “self-sufficient” in staffing, according to reports.
Labour’s 10-year plan for the NHS is due to be announced this week, with ministers vowing to deliver a service “fit for the future”.
The government says the plan will help rebuild the health system and tackle widening inequalities across the country.
The plan will pledge to limit overseas recruitment to no more than one in 10 NHS hires, aiming to overhaul a system where two-thirds of new doctors currently come from abroad, according to The Times.
Doctors will be directed to make returning to work a key focus of treatment, as ministers try to reduce the growing benefits bill, according to leaked documents seen by the publication.
Work coaches will be placed in GP surgeries, and local NHS leaders will be set targets to support patients back into employment.
Last month, health secretary Wes Streeting admitted the NHS treats doctors “like crap” but urged medics not to strike in the latest row about pay.
Source: The Independent, 1 July 2025
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