The latest NHS staff discrimination survey has revealed a sharp rise in abuse, discrimination and workplace inequality across England’s health service, with nearly one in 10 staff reporting discrimination from patients or members of the public over the past year.
The findings, based on responses from around 800,000 NHS workers, highlight growing concerns over staff safety, morale and equality, as incidents of violence and harassment reach some of the highest levels recorded in recent years. The NHS staff discrimination survey also shows widening disparities in how different groups experience career progression and workplace fairness.
Record levels of discrimination reported by NHS staff
According to the survey, almost 10% of NHS staff reported experiencing discrimination from patients or the public in the past 12 months — the highest level since records began.
The data suggests that frontline healthcare workers are increasingly exposed to unacceptable behaviour while delivering essential services.
Discrimination was reported across multiple categories, including race, gender, disability and other protected characteristics, raising concerns about both patient interactions and broader societal attitudes.
Physical attacks on NHS staff at three-year high
The survey also revealed a worrying rise in physical violence against healthcare workers.
Nearly one in seven NHS staff reported being physically assaulted during the same period, marking the highest rate of attacks in three years.
Healthcare leaders say the figures reflect growing pressure on frontline services and highlight the risks faced by staff working in high-demand environments such as emergency departments and ambulance services.
Rising cases of unwanted sexual behaviour
In addition to physical violence, the NHS staff discrimination survey recorded a significant increase in cases of unwanted sexual behaviour directed at staff.
A record proportion of workers reported experiencing such incidents, including almost one in three ambulance staff.
These findings underscore concerns about the safety and wellbeing of healthcare professionals, particularly those working in close-contact roles.
Inequality in career progression highlighted
The survey also exposed disparities in perceptions of fairness within the NHS workforce.
When asked whether their organisation acted fairly in career progression and promotion, less than half of non-White staff responded positively, compared with approximately 56% of White staff.
This gap highlights ongoing concerns about equality and inclusion within NHS workplaces.
Similar disparities were observed in relation to disability.
Less than half of staff with long-term health conditions or illnesses said they believed their organisation treated them fairly in terms of career progression.
By contrast, more than half of staff without long-term health conditions reported a positive experience.
NHS leaders call for urgent action
Danny Mortimer, Director General for People at NHS England, described the findings as deeply concerning and called for improvements to staff support and working conditions.
“These figures paint a deeply worrying picture of the abuse our hardworking NHS staff face,” he said.
“Staff safety and wellbeing is paramount, and we want everyone experiencing any kind of unwanted incident to feel confident enough to report it.”
Mortimer acknowledged that more needs to be done to address everyday workplace challenges and improve conditions for staff.
“We must look at what more we can do to support the people who keep our services running,” he added.
Staff morale shows signs of decline
The survey also indicated a drop in staff morale, with fewer workers recommending their workplace compared with previous years.
The proportion of staff who would recommend their organisation as a place to work has fallen below 60%, down from 2024 levels.
Despite these challenges, a strong sense of purpose remains among NHS employees.
Nearly 90% of staff said their work makes a positive difference to patients, highlighting continued commitment to delivering care even under difficult conditions.
Pressures on NHS workforce continue to grow
The findings come at a time when the NHS is facing ongoing pressures, including staff shortages, high patient demand and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare workers have been under sustained strain, particularly during winter periods when demand for services increases significantly.
Experts say these pressures can contribute to heightened tensions in healthcare settings, increasing the risk of conflict between patients and staff.
Long-standing challenges in NHS workforce
The NHS staff discrimination survey reflects broader challenges within the UK healthcare system, including issues related to workforce retention, equality and working conditions.
In recent years, concerns have been raised about burnout, staffing levels and the ability of the NHS to recruit and retain skilled professionals.
Workforce diversity has also been a key focus, with efforts underway to address inequalities and improve representation across all levels of the organisation.
However, the latest survey suggests that significant gaps remain in achieving a fair and supportive working environment for all staff.
Focus on improving staff safety and wellbeing
NHS leaders have emphasised the importance of addressing violence, discrimination and harassment as part of broader workforce reforms.
Improving staff safety is seen as critical not only for employee wellbeing but also for maintaining the quality of patient care.
Measures under consideration include increased security, better reporting systems and targeted support for staff who experience abuse.
There is also a growing recognition of the need to tackle systemic inequalities within the workforce to ensure fair opportunities for all employees.
Future outlook for NHS workforce reforms
The results of the NHS staff discrimination survey are likely to add pressure on policymakers to prioritise workforce reforms.
Improving working conditions, addressing inequalities and reducing incidents of abuse will be key challenges for the NHS in the coming years.
As the health service continues to navigate increasing demand and resource constraints, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for staff will remain essential to its long-term sustainability.