To think many low paid NHS workers find it really difficult to leave?

[Lackofsleepishurting]

Looking at the news, strike action from nurses to 999 staff, with Rishi Sunak threatening new laws to make their striking illegal.

It brought back memories of how difficult it was for me to leave a £19k NHS role back in 2017. I wasn't happy, the work/life balance was non-existent due to shifts and I was desperate to go anywhere else.

I tried to sign up to multiple employment agencies as a way to get other work and they didn't want to know, it was like I didn't exist. Eventually, I found another job... but I wonder how many other people find it very difficult to leave?

I felt at the time like the perception of me was that I needed to stay in the NHS and that my skills weren't valid anywhere else. When you're in it, it feels like a trap with no way out. I can understand the strikes, therefore, because getting another job in a different sector isn't easy, especially if your body and mind are ruined from 14-hour shifts at all times of day and night.

@GaggleOfSwans whatever the reason for it being difficult to leave (low skill might be one) then that doesn't change the feeling of being trapped. If you can't leave, then you feel like you have no choice, but to strike.

Judging by our recruitment issues and crap retention rates, I don't think it's difficult for people to leave anymore..

Especially on the lower bands, when you can get more money for not working shifts and not getting abuse from the general public.

I think those who find it "hard to leave" it's more about the fact that you get decent sick pay, decent annual leave and an ok pension if you stay in long enough. Although the money might be a bit better elsewhere, there's a lot to be said for the nhs safety net if you've been there longer than a few years.

But surely it depends what you're doing in the NHS. Low wage doesn't mean low skill. My sister managed to get out by applying to be a support worker in mental health then went on from there. I think it's about weighing your options realistically.

This. Three of my friends work for the NHS and are often talking about leaving. Except, when they see what’s around in the private sector (usually with a change of role), each time they’ve decided not to because the benefits, and pension in particular, have been nowhere near equivalent. This has made the leap a lot less viable/attractive for them, and so they stay put.

I think it can be hard to leave if you're a radiographer or suchlike as most opportunities are NHS based, but they are hardly low paid.
Domestics can get other cleaning work, ward hosts can get other catering work etc.