RCN study highlights dissatisfaction among NHS workers

Poor working conditions in the NHS are driving staff away from their jobs, according to research from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

The survey revealed that 66 percent of NHS workers have considered quitting the health services, due to the pressures caused by increased workloads, low pay, constant restructures and the inherent stresses of the job.

Moreover, the poll of nearly 30,000 health service staff revealed that the majority of NHS employees work in excess of their contracted hours, with 71 percent working up to four extra hours per week.

Four-fifths feel increased workplace stress is the reason why low morale is on the rise, while 72 percent of respondents reported that staff shortages occur frequently in their workplace.

Josie Irwin, head of employment relations at the RCN, said: "Not paying staff fairly for the vital work they do is leading to staff voting with their feet. This will only make staff shortages worse, which could ultimately affect the quality of patient care."

This comes after industrial action was held by NHS workers across the country earlier this week in protest over many of the issues raised by this survey.