I know. There’s a lot of uncertainty right now.

The stories we’ve heard through recent surveys on GP unemployment have been harrowing – skilled colleagues, in dire financial straits, struggling to find work. Some are contemplating leaving medicine altogether. Some are already driving Ubers. The scale of this crisis is sobering.

But – and I write this with cautious optimism – this isn’t the whole picture.

While there are undeniable pockets of GP underemployment and unemployment, there are still areas in the UK where practices are unable to fill vacancies. It's complex. It's uneven. And crucially, it's not permanent.

This isn’t the first time general practice has faced a mismatch between supply and demand.

When I qualified as a GP in London back in 2008, partnerships were a distant dream. They were rarely advertised and, when they were, the competition was intense. Salaried jobs weren’t much easier to come by – I was shortlisted to the final two multiple times and each time the job went to someone else. As a 29-year-old woman, I couldn’t help but wonder if potential maternity leave was a silent strike against me. 

Locuming was the path I took – plentiful, yes, but not lucrative. The market was flooded with GPs trying to find a foothold.

In 2010, I decided to look elsewhere. Relocating for work was not uncommon in those days. I applied for a partnership in Lothian – there were 40 of us going for the same job. I was lucky to get it. Fast forward to 2012, we advertised for another partner. Ten applicants. Only two suitable for interview.

Why am I telling you this? Because while the profession has weathered tough times before, this feels different. The current GP unemployment crisis isn’t just another rough patch – it’s deeper, more systemic, and it has many in the profession seriously worried.

The BMA is working on your behalf to lobby the Government to address this but what can we do in the meantime?

Connect locally

In areas where jobs are scarce, we need to get active at a local level. Talk to your local medical committee. Speak to patient groups. Patients don’t understand how we can have GPs leaving the country for work while they can't get an appointment. Help them see that it’s not about laziness or lack of effort – it's about funding, systemic failure and the need for core investment in general practice to create jobs for the highly trained clinicians we are.

And we must push back against the acceptance of non-GP alternatives as ‘good enough’.

Put yourself out there.

If you're job hunting – treat it like a campaign. Polish your CV. Write a sharp, sincere cover letter. Visit practices. Talk to practice managers. Be human. Be present. And don’t underestimate the power of a chat with the reception staff – they often know more about a practice’s needs than anyone else.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told: ‘You’re the first locum who’s spoken to us.’ Those moments matter. They stick.

Network smartly

Your LMC isn’t just there for contract disputes. Ask about local workforce patterns. Attend a meeting. Make yourself known. Opportunities often start with visibility. I once introduced myself to a practice looking for a partner. I wasn’t in a position to take that on but offered to help if they ever needed a locum.

A few weeks later, a salaried GP went off sick. I covered and got good feedback. A few weeks on, I was offered a salaried post – never advertised, never planned. That’s how quickly things can turn.

Broaden your search

I know it's not easy, especially if you have family or caring responsibilities. But be open to travelling a bit further. Rural and deprived areas often have more vacancies – and more flexibility. You don't have to move to Australia or Canada. Rural Scotland, pockets of England and most of Northern Ireland have vacancies – not always advertised.

Ask for help

Please – don’t suffer in silence. There is support.

Your LMC may offer local mentoring schemes or wellbeing resources

The Cameron Fund exists specifically to support GPs in financial need

Practitioner Health is there if you're struggling with your mental health.

You are not alone.

At the BMA, we are continuing to fight for fair and equitable funding for general practice. We’re championing the ‘value of a GP’ and advocating for a model of one GP per 1,000 patients – not just because it’s good for doctors, but because it’s essential for safe, high-quality care.

We know things are tough. But you are not powerless.

This profession needs you. And so do patients. Let’s keep showing up – for each other, and for the future we deserve.

Amy Small is a locum/salaried GP based in Sheffield. She is the sessional representative for Yorkshire and the Humber on the sessionals subcommittee. She is also elected to Yorkshire regional council and sits on Sheffield local medical committee. She is also clinical adviser for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland