Archive · 29 Jul 2026
UK Nursing Workforce Reaches Diversity Milestone
The UK's nursing and midwifery workforce is now more diverse than ever, with over a third of professionals coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.
This milestone is significant as it reflects the growing diversity in the healthcare sector.
However, the workforce is facing challenges such as a slowdown in growth due to fewer new joiners and increased departures.
International recruitment, which has been a significant source of new professionals, has also decreased.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is emphasizing the importance of anti-racism principles to ensure a safe and effective care delivery.
Despite these challenges, the NMC is committed to promoting diversity and addressing ethical recruitment concerns, particularly as two of the top three source countries for international recruits are on the government's red list.
Over a third of the UK's nursing and midwifery workforce is now from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The total workforce has reached 867,935 professionals, with 293,778 being from minority backgrounds.
India, Nigeria, and Ghana are the top source countries for internationally educated joiners.
New UK-trained entrants are becoming more diverse, with 35% from minority backgrounds.
The workforce growth has slowed due to fewer new joiners and increased departures, with burnout and exhaustion being major reasons for leaving.
- Who
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and ethnic minority professionals in the UK nursing and midwifery workforce.
- What
- The UK nursing and midwifery workforce has reached a new diversity milestone with over a third being from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- When
- The latest figures were revealed on Wednesday, 29th of the current month.
- Where
- The data pertains to the UK nursing and midwifery workforce.
- Why
- The NMC aims to promote diversity and anti-racism principles to ensure safe and effective care delivery, while addressing challenges in workforce growth and ethical recruitment.
Increased Diversity
Challenges in Workforce Growth
Diversity in Workforce
Increased Diversity
The UK nursing and midwifery workforce is more diverse than ever, with over a third being from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Challenges in Workforce Growth
Despite the diversity, the overall growth of the workforce has slowed due to fewer new joiners and increased departures.
International Recruitment
Increased Diversity
International recruitment remains significant, with India, Nigeria, and Ghana being top source countries.
Challenges in Workforce Growth
International recruitment has decreased, and ethical concerns arise as two of the top three source countries are on the government's red list.
Workforce Challenges
Increased Diversity
The NMC emphasizes the importance of diversity and anti-racism principles to ensure a safe and effective care delivery.
Challenges in Workforce Growth
The workforce faces challenges such as burnout, exhaustion, and ethical recruitment concerns, impacting overall growth.
- Total Workforce
- 867,935 nurses, midwives, and nursing associates
- Ethnic Minority Professionals
- 33.8% of the total workforce
- Top Source Countries
- India, Nigeria, Ghana
- New UK-trained Entrants Diversity
- 35% from minority backgrounds
- Workforce Growth
- 1.7% increase in 2025-26, down from 3.3% the previous year
- Reasons for Leaving
- Retirement, physical or mental health, burnout or exhaustion
- Ethical Recruitment
- Nigeria and Ghana are on the government's red list