Recover, reward, renew: A post-pandemic plan for the healthcare workforce

Article

One year since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, the political narrative has become one of recovery, for the health system as much as for the economy. But what does 'build back better' really mean for an exhausted and over-stretched healthcare workforce?

This paper aims to resolve the tension between ‘building back better’ health and care services and immediate workforce constraints. It argues that the government should develop a plan to support staff who are struggling, retain those considering leaving and attract new people to join the sector.

It proposes developing an effective,immediate-term workforce strategy based around the principles of Recover, Reward and Renew, and it draws on new IPPR/YouGov polling of 1,006 healthcare professionals to inform a range of practical policies that IPPR recommends, and to underscore the urgency of tackling the workforce crisis now.


Related items

  1. A person sits at a desk in front of a laptop. A semi-transparent screen shows a digital AI agent

    Strike while AI is hot: Rebuilding worker power for the age of AI

    How worker power should be reanimated in the face of AI-driven labour market shocks.
  2. The exterior of the Ministry of Defence building

    The Europe agenda: Defence and security

    In this period of geopolitical chaos, greater defence and security integration offer a fruitful way for the UK to deepen its relationship with Europe.
  3. Rear view of unrecognizable people walking together on the street

    A tough hand: Why rising youth inactivity demands urgent action

    On Thursday, new data will likely show the number of young people who will be out of education, employment or training (NEET) will surpass 1 million for the first time since 2013.