Three in four GPs now hold portfolio careers, survey finds
Almost three quarters of GPs now have portfolio careers – the highest proportion among all doctor groups – a new survey has revealed.
The poll by mutual financial services provider Wesleyan found that almost seven in 10 (67%) of all UK doctors now have portfolio careers – an increase from 55% in 2024. This figure is highest in GPs, with just under three in four (74%) holding portfolio careers.
However, the survey found that over half of GPs who hold multiple roles are considering transitioning back to a single job, citing increased administrative burden, unexpected tax bills, and a desire to cut workload and avoid burnout.
The poll also confirmed that the NHS continues to be the primary employer of GPs, suggesting that portfolio careers are not replacing NHS roles, but instead are being built around them. Of those who responded:
- 81% of GPs surveyed hold NHS roles
- 52% of GPs hold roles in private practice
- 47% of GPs hold roles in clinical practice
- 26% of GPs hold roles in consultancy
Roles held by GPs with portfolio careers
Respondents of the survey cited several reasons as to why they were expanding their careers beyond just one role including: professional growth (65%); increased income potential (63%); flexibility (53%); and better work-life balance (47%).
However, despite the rise in doctors taking up multiple roles, the polling also found that it is becoming more difficult for doctors to have portfolio careers, with almost two thirds (59%) of all doctors and 56% of GPs considering transitioning back to a single job in the past year.
The doctors who expressed consideration for returning to a single-role career cited:
- a desire to cut workload (64%)
- avoid burnout (54%)
- simplify work-life management (49%).
Many among them reported facing an abundance of challenges while holding portfolio careers, including the complexity in balancing multiple roles, increased administrative burden from the NHS and financial tax impacts.
Over a third (36%) of those surveyed said they had received unexpected tax bills, with those challenges being exacerbated for GPs due to their need to manage limited company finances – as the poll found that 40% of GPs operate through a limited company as part of their portfolio career.
When asked what support would help them better manage working multiple roles, the two most popular responses were better NHS processes and systems (56%) and access to mental health and wellbeing resources (55%), with financial planning advice (47%) and tax and accountancy services (34%) following.
Dr Louise Taylor, who co-founded a locum chambers and works as a GP locum within it, said that she began to pursue a portfolio career after 10 years as a partner and trainer as a way to ‘survive general practice’.
She said: ‘Full time general practice is very difficult – as a GP you start pretty much at the same level as you finish; you’re doing the same job right from the get go, and seeing the same number of patients each day.
‘Taking on more roles keeps things interesting, keeps you, open-minded and looking out beyond general practice. If you want to “future-proof” your wellbeing as a GP then having a diverse career can do that.’
Dr Taylor said she was unsurprised by the large proportion of GPs turning to portfolio careers, due to the shrinking amount of locum roles available.
She added: ‘We are talking about a totally different workplace now than were 10 years ago; it is much more difficult for qualifying registrars to get a post these days. Certainly, locum work has shrunk to the extent that it is harder to consider it as a career option.
‘I have observed many GPs with portfolio careers found that their locum work was slowing down, and they were having to rely on their other roles. Previously the locum work would have been the “money-maker”, but they cannot take that for granted.
‘We don’t know where general practice is going to go, but the role currently does lend itself to a portfolio career – when compared to secondary care roles – so it is something that I do recommend to newly-qualified GPs.’
GP co-lead for Doctors’ Association UK Dr Steve Taylor told Pulse that portfolio careers have become increasingly common and accepted for a variety of reasons.
He said: ‘This snapshot of a group of GPs by Wesleyan gives some insights, but is limited. Some do it out of necessity, some for less stress, some for income reasons, some for the variety and challenges of other roles. The vast majority over 75% continue to work in the NHS, however, 59% have considered returning to a single role, but it is clear that many find it rewarding.
‘The challenge of NHS GP work increasing, top down bureaucracy, reduced income, and failure of Government and NHS leaders to listen is seeing a gradual but increasing shift to private work, seen in this report.
‘It would be wise for Government advisers, as change occurs in leadership, to note the warnings. To be clear: NHS GP work and partnerships need to be protected.’
Wesleyan head of medical Alec Collie said: ‘The growth in portfolio careers reflects broader shifts in healthcare. We’re seeing increased demand for private practice as patients seek alternatives to NHS waiting lists, creating a rise in opportunities for doctors.
‘But it’s also about escape. Many are using portfolio careers to reduce the pressures of full-time NHS frontline work.
‘And for the NHS, it has become a retention strategy, a way to keep talented clinicians in the profession who might otherwise leave earlier than planned.’
Earlier this year, experts said that the ‘refreshed’ NHS workforce plan would have to prioritise GP retention, as well as increase training numbers, in order to ensure there were enough GPs.
And the GMC chief executive Charlie Massey expressed concerns about GP retention and burnout ‘driving too many GPs out of practice the other end’ – though he stopped short of saying overall GP numbers should increase.
Are you curious about pursuing a GP portfolio career, but not sure where to start? Take our quiz to find out what role you might best be suited to!
