Two thirds of GPs likely to increase private work due to imposed contract, survey finds

Almost two thirds of GPs say they are likely to increase private work following this year’s imposed GP contract, a new survey has revealed.

The poll by mutual financial services provider Wesleyan found that more than a quarter (27%) of GPs already undertake private work, with a further third (33%) planning to start within the next year.

And 62% of GPs said this year’s contract ‘makes them more likely to increase private work’, while 46% said it ‘makes them more likely to take on non-clinical roles’.

As revealed by Pulse, the GP contract for this financial year was imposed by the Government following a consultation with several stakeholders, rather than a negotiations with the BMA. It was then rejected by the profession via a referendum in late March, and the union is currently undertaking collective action in protest against it.

According to the survey, the ‘key factors’ driving GPs towards private work and alternative roles include higher earning potential (55%), better work-life balance (48%) and greater flexibility over where and when they work (38%).

It comes as the BMA has confirmed it will ballot GPs on a ‘plan B’ for general practice, that includes consideration of a ‘means-tested, subscription-based service’, such as those being offered currently by NHS dentists. This will be the first time the union is balloting GPs on an alternative model.

Alongside the shift toward private work, the survey, which was conducted by OnePoll from 16 – 23 March among 500 GPs, revealed that 30% of GPs said they plan to work overseas at some point in their career, citing ‘better pay, career development opportunities and improved working conditions’.

Wesleyan head of medical Alec Collie said: ‘GPs are sending a clear message that they want greater flexibility, improved work-life balance and opportunities to increase their income.

‘The new contract is accelerating this trend, with more doctors considering private work alongside their NHS commitments.

‘Many are building portfolio careers that combine NHS work with private practice and other professional interests.

‘But portfolio careers come with real complexity, such as multiple tax structures, pension arrangements across different schemes, administrative burden. GPs are navigating all of this without integrated financial planning.

‘If increasing numbers of doctors feel they need to look outside traditional NHS roles to achieve sustainable and rewarding careers, it raises important questions about the future shape of general practice and whether the support exists for GPs to build these careers successfully within the UK.’

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Pulse: ‘The NHS, including general practice, will always remain free at the point of use. This survey of just 500 GPs is not representative of our 40,000 strong GP workforce delivering for patients up and down the country.

‘This Government has recruited 2,000 more GPs and delivered a £600 million contract uplift this year, focused on improving access for patients, cutting bureaucracy so GPs spend more time with patients, and bringing back the family doctor.’

The Government previously told Pulse it does not believe general practice should be moving towards a private model and wants to work with GPs to ‘build a sustainable future’.