In 2023, the number of practicing physicians in occupational medicine in the UK stood at 1.69 health professionals per hundred thousand persons. Forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 suggest a consistent decline, with figures dropping from 1.62 in 2024 to 1.34 in 2028. The year-on-year decreases indicate a concerning reduction trend of about 4.32% on average each year.
- 2024-2025: -4.32%
- 2025-2026: -4.52%
- 2026-2027: -4.73%
- 2027-2028: -4.96%
This decline highlights significant challenges in maintaining adequate staffing for occupational health services, reflecting broader issues in healthcare resource management. Looking ahead, key trends to watch include the impact of healthcare policy changes, investment in occupational health training and workforce retention strategies, and potential shifts in demand for occupational health services influenced by workplace safety regulations and remote working trends.
