The challenges facing primary care today will shape the workforce of tomorrow. As we move towards 2026, the trends are clear – demand continues to rise, the GP workforce continues to shrink, and practices are having to think strategically about long-term recruitment.
At Vela Medical Group, we’re already seeing the next phase of change taking shape across the UK. Here’s what primary-care employers should prepare for.
Continued workforce shortages – but evolving solutions
Despite government pledges to expand the GP workforce, retirement rates and workload pressures continue to outpace recruitment.
To maintain service levels, more practices are investing in multidisciplinary teams – advanced practitioners, clinical pharmacists, physician associates, and nurses taking on expanded roles.
Recruitment strategies in 2026 will focus less on replacing GPs like-for-like and more on building teams around skill mix and service design.
The rise of flexible and digital-first working
The pandemic permanently changed expectations around flexibility and technology.
Remote consultations, portfolio careers, and flexible hours will remain key to attracting clinicians. Employers who adapt their job structures and offer autonomy will have a competitive edge in recruitment.
Vela’s consultants are already helping practices design roles that fit clinician lifestyles while still meeting patient needs – a balance essential for long-term retention.
A new focus on long-term workforce planning
Short-term hiring will no longer be enough. Practices will need to plan for the next two to three years, not just the next vacancy.
That means analysing patient demand, funding cycles, and skill requirements and building pipelines of talent early.
Through strategic partnerships and proactive sourcing, Vela helps practices develop sustainable recruitment models that anticipate the next stage of growth.
How to future-proof your workforce
By 2026, practices that succeed in recruitment will share a few key traits:
- Clear employer branding that communicates culture and purpose
- Flexible role structures that support clinician wellbeing
- Long-term engagement with recruitment partners who understand primary care
At Vela, we see ourselves as more than a staffing agency – we’re a strategic workforce partner helping primary-care organisations build stability, quality, and resilience for the years ahead.
Final thoughts
The primary-care recruitment landscape in 2026 will be competitive, data-driven and highly strategic. Now is the time to review your workforce plans, assess future needs, and partner with experts who understand how to deliver results in a changing market.
Build your workforce today, with Vela Medical Group.
