Most British workers say they have struggled to get a doctor’s appointment, forcing them to self-treat or delay care, according to a new national survey.
A Britain at Work 2025 report, published by workplace health provider Health Shield, reveals that 62 percent of employees find it difficult to book a GP appointment, while nearly half have taken matters into their own hands as a result. The figures are even higher for women, with 59 percent reporting they have self-treated when faced with barriers to healthcare.
As pressure on the NHS shows little sign of easing, observers warn the crisis is having a knock-on effect on workplace wellbeing and performance across all age groups.
Long Waits, Missed Care and Growing Gender Gaps
The findings, based on a nationally representative survey, reflects widespread concern over NHS capacity and support. Over eight in ten employees (81 percent) are worried about pressure on the NHS, and 21 percent describe themselves as “very worried”.
Almost as many report difficulty accessing NHS dental care, with 54 percent unable to get an appointment and 47 percent struggling to pay for treatment.
Gender and generational gaps persist:
- 66 percent of women struggle to get a GP appointment, compared with 58 percent of men
- 61 percent of female employees cannot get an NHS dentist appointment, compared to 48 percent of men
- Millennials are most affected, with 65 percent unable to book a GP appointment and nearly half (49 percent) resorting to self-treatment or going without care
“These stark figures show that access to NHS services has become a struggle for many employees, with delays often forcing individuals to manage their health independently,” said Health Shield director Paul Shires.
“It’s not clear exactly how people are self-treating. For some, it may simply be a visit to the pharmacist or choosing an over-the-counter solution. For others, it may be a bigger concern, but it’s a trend that should be watched closely.”
Shires added that it wasn’t “just a national issue but a workplace challenge, as employee anxiety about healthcare access can impact both morale and performance”.
Workplace Consequences For Health And Morale
The survey found that four in ten employees have suffered due to lack of access to healthcare, and that absence rates are being affected as a result. Last year, the average UK employee took seven days off work due to health-related issues, with 29 percent of these linked to stress, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
Observers note that the barriers to healthcare are not just harming physical health but also raising levels of anxiety and contributing to presenteeism, where staff come to work ill or avoid seeking help altogether.
Employers Urged to Act
As the NHS continues to face intense pressures, experts say employers must take action to protect workplace wellbeing. Key steps employers can consider include:
- Providing access to virtual GP services so employees can get advice and treatment quickly
- Enhancing employee assistance programmes with mental health support, counselling and wellbeing resources
- Offering trusted pharmacy and self-care options to help staff make informed decisions
- Providing dental and optical benefits or subsidies to help bridge the gap left by NHS shortages
- Creating an open workplace culture that encourages discussion about health issues and reduces the stigma of seeking help
Despite a slight drop in concern about the NHS compared with last year, most employees remain worried about how delays and access problems will affect them. Paul Shires described the latest figures as a “wake-up call for employers” and warned that the challenge “cannot be ignored”.