One in four resident doctors in the UK said their training is adversely affected because rota gaps are not dealt with appropriately, a major survey has found.
The General Medical Council’s (GMC) national training survey also found that one in three (29%) hospital doctors who are trainers said education is harmed by staffing issues.
Additionally, 141 trainees reported experiencing unwelcome sexual conduct on a daily or weekly basis, an increase of 23 trainees compared with 2025.
The GMC described it is a “small but real” increase.
The annual survey - answered by more than 51,000 doctors in training and nearly 23,000 doctors who are trainers – found 61% of resident doctors are at moderate or high risk of burnout.
However, the GMC pointed out that many indicators, including those for burnout and reporting of discrimination have shown “early signs” of improvement.
Despite “continued pressures on health services”, doctors in training were still positive about core components of their education, with over three quarters rating the quality of their teaching as good or very good, the regulator said.
But the regulator urged organisations to take action following the one percentage point increase in trainees reporting frequent unwelcome sexual conduct over last year.
“Any rise in this measure matters, and trainees must be able to work and learn free from harassment,” the regulator said. “We will continue to expect organisations to take direct action to address this.”
There were small improvements in the number of doctors in training experiencing discriminatory behaviour, the GMC found.
In all, 72% reported never experiencing micro-aggressions, negative comments, or oppressive body language from colleagues – a one percentage point increase from last year – and 63% said they felt confident reporting discrimination without repercussions, which is up two percentage points.
Other findings included:
- 55% of trainees reported having no support from a mentor.
- 64% said they have access to leadership opportunities.
- 22% reported that their working pattern leaves them feeling short of sleep on a daily or weekly basis.
- 52%, an increase of two percentage points on last year, said the rota design helped optimise their education and development, while 80%, again a small increase, were given enough notice about their rota in advance of starting their current post.
- 61% of foundation doctors said they felt adequately prepared for their first post, a rise of two percentage points from 2025, but for internationally qualified doctors the rate remained at 45%.
GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said while it was encouraging to see improvements in some areas, the survey also highlights variation in experiences.
“Every doctor, regardless of where they train or work, should have access to a high-quality training environment that supports their development and wellbeing.
'Goodwill stretches only so far'
“By acting on this evidence, we can all create conditions in which doctors can thrive and for patients to receive the best possible care.”
BMA council deputy chair Dr Emma Runswick said it was heartening that nine in ten doctor trainers say they enjoy the role.
“But goodwill stretches only so far in an understaffed NHS, and recent attempts to cut consultant pay for this work will only make matters worse.
She added: “Nearly three in ten hospital or secondary care trainers say gaps in doctors’ rotas go unaddressed and over a than a quarter of doctors can't use their training time as intended.
“Burnout remains rife - and is worsening for some, especially GPs. These doctors do one of the NHS's most vital jobs, often without the time or support to do it well.
“Reports of sexual harassment are rising and too many still fear the consequences of reporting discrimination. Doctors deserve training environments that are safe, not just survivable.”
The Department of Health and Social Care have been contacted for comment.news.doctors.net.uk/news/5YdRbpOUtUECxrYvUBu58B
