The number of practising nurses and midwives in the UK is forecasted to grow slightly from 549,860 in 2024 to 550,690 in 2028. This represents a nominal year-on-year increase of 0.04% from 2024 to 2025, continuing consistently through 2028. Based on historical data from 2023, when the count stood at approximately 549,000, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected to be marginal over the forecasted period, indicating a stable but plateauing workforce.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of healthcare policies, recruitment and retention strategies, and demographic changes which could influence demand for nursing and midwifery services. Monitoring these factors could provide insights into more substantial workforce changes. Additionally, technological advancements and potential changes in immigration policies might play a role in altering employment dynamics in the sector.
