The recent House of Lords vote on National Insurance (NI) contributions has sparked debate across the UK healthcare sector. With GP practices already under financial strain, this decision could have a major impact on budget management, staff retention, and patient care.
At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in locum GP and nurse recruitment, ensuring that healthcare professionals and GP practices receive the support they need through these policy changes. Here’s what the outcome of the vote means for primary care.
What Happens If GP Practices Are Exempt from the NI Increase?
- Financial stability for GP practices – Avoiding increased NI costs allows better budget management and ensures service continuity.
- Stronger staff retention and recruitment – Without extra financial strain, practices can continue hiring and supporting healthcare professionals.
- Investment in patient care – More resources can be directed toward clinical services, technology upgrades, and patient access.
- Reduced risk of GP practice closures – Smaller and rural GP surgeries can remain operational, protecting patient access to care.
The Impact If GP Practices Must Pay Higher NI Contributions
- Cuts to staffing and services – Practices may limit recruitment or reduce staff hours.
- Increased workload for healthcare professionals – Fewer staff could lead to burnout, stress, and lower job satisfaction.
- Delayed investment in technology and services – Financial pressure may prevent essential digital upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
- Risk of financial struggles and closures – With annual cost increases of up to £70,000 per practice, many GP surgeries may struggle to stay open.
The Financial Reality for GP Practices in 2025
According to the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM):
- Average additional costs per GP practice: Between £15,000 and £70,000 annually
- National financial impact: Up to £200 million extra per year
- Estimated cost per patient: Around £2 per patient due to rising employer NI contributions
With these figures, many healthcare experts argue that exempting GP practices from these increases is essential for protecting patient care and ensuring the financial sustainability of primary care services.
What This Means for Locum GPs & Practice Nurses
As a leading primary care recruitment agency, Vela Medical Group understands the challenges that GPs, practice nurses, and allied healthcare professionals face. If GP practices struggle financially, it could impact:
- Job availability and security
- Recruitment of new staff
- Workload and patient service quality
Our team is dedicated to connecting healthcare professionals with stable, well-supported practices, ensuring they can focus on delivering high-quality patient care.
Why Work with Vela Medical Group?
- Top locum GP and nurse jobs across the UK – We partner with GP surgeries and healthcare providers nationwide.
- Reliable and ongoing opportunities – We connect you with practices offering competitive pay, job security, and a supportive environment.
- Expert industry knowledge – Our team stays ahead of healthcare policy changes to ensure you’re always informed.
Stay Ahead in Your Healthcare Career
Whether you’re a GP, practice nurse, or allied healthcare professional, staying informed about policy changes is crucial.
Looking for new opportunities? Contact us today to find your next role in a practice that values and supports its healthcare professionals.
