LONDON, UK: The ongoing Brexit negotiations have created a fair amount of uncertainty for dental professionals based in the UK, with there being a distinct lack of clarity regarding post-Brexit working conditions. It comes as welcome news, then, that Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has reassured all EU-qualified healthcare professionals that they will be able to continue working in the UK even in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
Legislation introduced by the Department of Health and Social Care last month means that the 63,000 NHS staff members and 104,000 social care workers who qualified in the EU will have their training accepted by regulatory bodies such as the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK. In addition, those who have qualified in the European Economic Area (EEA) and in Switzerland can register after Brexit even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Furthermore, employment contracts will not need to be changed, regardless of whether a deal is reached.
“Every day across the health and social care system, our EU colleagues and friends make a difference to millions of lives,” Hancock said. “My message to EU staff is clear—we all want you to feel valued and stay in the UK. My priority is to make sure high standards are maintained across the healthcare system and that patients continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve. This legislation helps ensure that will continue to be the case,” he added.
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of NHS Employers and Chair of the Cavendish Coalition, said: “We have been clear that we must continue to embrace the vital contribution of our talented colleagues from overseas in caring for our patients and communities. We very much welcome the news, as will employers and staff, that the UK will recognise the qualifications of EU professionals in a no-deal situation. We would hope for similar confirmation of recognition for those with UK qualifications working in the EU.”
This development comes after a survey commissioned by the GDC earlier this year found that 32 per cent of EEA-qualified dentists who currently work in the UK intend to leave in the next few years. Half of these respondents indicated that Brexit was the reason behind this intention.
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