Autumn budget will not fix the nursing workforce crisis

Last week, the chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the autumn budget, laying out the UK government’s tax and spending plans for the financial year ahead. 

For the health and care sector, the chancellor announced a £22.6bn increase in the day-to-day health budget and a pledge for an additional £3.1bn pledge for capital health spending. 

This included funds to repair buildings affected by RAAC and promises to increase the number of hospital beds and diagnostic tests. 

While this funding is long overdue, it will not fix the nursing workforce’s staffing crisis.  

As RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Nicola Ranger said: “The chancellor’s task was difficult, but the crisis in nursing remains unresolved.” 

Tens of thousands of skilled and experienced nursing staff are leaving the profession, according to an RCN report published last year. Put simply: there are not enough nursing staff to meet people’s health needs. 

Despite the chancellor’s promise of new funding for upgrading NHS facilities, this does not resolve the staffing shortages. As Nicola Ranger also said: “New funding for upgrading NHS facilities is long-overdue. But it’s also true that new scanners, more beds and extra appointments need staff. A depleted, worn-out and undervalued profession can’t bring down waiting lists and transform care.” 

With the government getting ready to publish its 10 Year Health Plan in spring 2025, the RCN is calling for nursing must be at the heart of any plan to fix health and social care.  

Ahead of the budget, the RCN sent the treasury our view on England’s health and care services, including recommendations to help them thrive.  

Among our demands, we’re calling for the government to draw-up long-term plans to improve NHS pay – with additional funding to ensure a fair pay rise. We’re also asking for the government to eradicate corridor care; fund the tuition fees and living costs for nursing and midwifery students; and provide mental health support for all nursing staff. 

The nation’s health is faltering, which is placing more pressure on the NHS and other health and care services. The government must act now to protect the nation’s health and the wellbeing of those working in health care. 

The chancellor’s budget was an opportunity to address the nursing crisis. Unfortunately, with this budget, that opportunity has been missed.