GMB responds to ‘Mass Exodus’ of ambulance workers

Ambulance trusts are at the sharp edge of a service that is under record pressure, says GMB Union 

GMB Union has responded to figures showing a ‘mass exodus’ of ambulance workers.

Figures from the Lib Dems shows in 2019/20 the number of people who left ambulance services was 4,609, rising to 6,968 in 2022/23 – an increase of more than 50 per cent.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:

“GMB has long warned recruitment and retention pressures in ambulance services are at a critical point.

“Our members in ambulance trusts are at the sharp edge of a service that is under record pressure. The stark fact is that patients’ lives are at risk.

“Ambulance workers face extreme workloads, the risk of assaults, cuts to unsociable hours payments, and pressure to work into their late sixties – it’s no wonder that irreplaceable staff are leaving in droves.

“It is welcome that there is support from both Labour and the Lib Dems for an assessment of workforce pressures. It is important that any examination covers all ambulance staff, including paramedics and other ambulance workers.”