Thousands of doctors face bullying and discrimination, but fear speaking out

Thousands of doctors are experiencing bullying and discrimination at work, but many do not believe it is safe or worthwhile to report, according to a survey published today by the General Medical Council (GMC).

Almost one in four (23%) locally employed (LE) doctors and nearly one in three (31%) of specialty, associate specialist and specialist (SAS) doctors said they had experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment in their role. Consultants were most often identified as the source of bullying and undermining behaviour.

Among those who chose not to report incidents where they worked, 67% of both LE and SAS doctors said they believed reporting would not make a difference. More than half – 60% of LE doctors and 54% of SAS doctors – also feared adverse consequences, such as on their careers or relationships with colleagues.

LE and SAS doctors are practitioners who provide patient care, but who are not in formal training posts that lead to becoming consultants or GPs. SAS doctors are usually experienced clinicians who view the role as a long-term career path, whereas LE doctors can have a variety of contract types and job titles and are often early in their careers.

They are two of the fastest growing cohorts of doctors in the UK, accounting for nearly a fifth of all doctors. Much of the growth in recent years is driven by doctors who qualified overseas.

The GMC’s survey, the first major survey of LE and SAS doctors for seven years, asked them about their roles, motivations, workplace experiences and their access to training and development. More than 10,500 doctors – 5,221 LE and 5,359 SAS – responded.

The survey found that internationally qualified doctors were more likely to report negative workplace experiences than their UK-qualified colleagues.

Among LE doctors, nearly half (45%) of internationally qualified doctors reported experiencing micro-aggressions, such as negative comments or oppressive body language, compared to 37% of UK-qualified doctors. Fourteen per cent said they experienced these behaviours daily or weekly.

Internationally qualified LE doctors were also more likely to report being excluded from workplace interactions, with 32% reporting this compared with 19% of UK-qualified colleagues.

Among SAS doctors, 31% of internationally qualified doctors said they were not given the same training opportunities as their peers, compared with 18% of UK-qualified doctors. A quarter (25%) said they had been intentionally humiliated in front of others, compared with 18% of UK-qualified SAS doctors.

Doctors who qualified outside the UK were also less confident about challenging and reporting discrimination. Less than half, 45%, of internationally qualified LE doctors said they felt confident challenging discrimination, compared with 58% of those who qualified in the UK.

Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC says:

‘It is deeply troubling that doctors tell us bullying and discrimination are still common and that many fear speaking up will make no difference, or might even lead to repercussions.

‘SAS and locally employed doctors make an invaluable contribution to the NHS, bringing a wealth of skills and experience to patient care. Yet, too many continue to report poorer workplace experiences and feel less confident challenging discrimination.

‘The findings suggest that having reporting procedures in place is not enough to make doctors feel safe to speak up. They must be confident they will be heard, supported and treated fairly when they raise concerns.

‘This survey should be a wake-up call. For one of the NHS's fastest growing and most crucial workforce groups, more must be done to build inclusive, supportive workplaces where they, and everyone, can thrive.’

Read the GMC's report, Supporting careers, recognising contribution: locally employed (LE) and specialty, associate specialist and specialist (SAS) doctors survey 2026.