GMC survey highlights bullying and discrimination concerns among doctors

Thousands of doctors across the UK have experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace, yet many feel unable to report incidents due to fears that speaking up will have little impact or could damage their careers, according to a new survey published by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The survey, which gathered responses from more than 10,500 locally employed (LE) and specialty, associate specialist and specialist (SAS) doctors, found that almost one in four LE doctors (23%) and nearly one in three SAS doctors (31%) had experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment in their role. Consultants were most frequently identified as the source of bullying and undermining behaviour.

Among respondents who chose not to report incidents, 67% of both LE and SAS doctors said they did not believe reporting would make a difference. More than half also cited fears of adverse consequences, including potential impacts on their careers and relationships with colleagues.

The findings come from the GMC’s first major survey of LE and SAS doctors in seven years. These groups, which account for almost a fifth of the UK medical workforce, have grown significantly in recent years, with much of that growth driven by internationally qualified doctors.

The survey suggests internationally qualified doctors are more likely to experience negative workplace behaviours than their UK-trained counterparts. Among LE doctors, 45% of those who qualified overseas reported experiencing micro-aggressions, such as negative comments or oppressive body language, compared with 37% of UK-qualified doctors. Fourteen per cent said such behaviour occurred on a daily or weekly basis.

Internationally qualified LE doctors were also more likely to report exclusion from workplace interactions, with 32% reporting this experience compared with 19% of UK-qualified colleagues. Among SAS doctors, 31% of internationally qualified respondents said they were not given the same training opportunities as their peers, compared with 18% of UK-qualified doctors.

Commenting on the findings, GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey described the results as a “wake-up call”, warning that more must be done to create inclusive and supportive working environments for some of the NHS’s fastest-growing workforce groups. He said the findings highlighted the need for workplaces where doctors feel safe to raise concerns and are able to thrive professionally.

The GMC said the survey explored doctors’ experiences of their roles, workplace culture, access to training and development opportunities, and attitudes towards reporting concerns, providing a detailed picture of the challenges facing LE and SAS doctors across the UK.

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