More Than 5,000 NHS Jobs At Risk Across South East As Cuts Hit Hardest In Region, Says UNISON

UNISON warns that at least 5,000 NHS posts could be cut across the South East by 2028, making it the worst-affected region in England as trusts respond to financial pressures and government demands to balance budgets.

New research shows around 5,152 full-time equivalent roles may go across the region, as part of more than 21,000 expected job cuts nationally. The reductions include both clinical and support staff, driven by vacancy freezes, restructures and reduced agency use, as NHS providers attempt to address a combined deficit of over £1.1bn.

Major cuts are expected at trusts including University Hospitals Sussex, Frimley Health, and Kent Community Health, though UNISON warns the true figure may be higher due to incomplete data.

The union says staffing reductions are already increasing workloads, stress and risks to patient care, and argues that further cuts will worsen pressures on an already overstretched NHS. It is calling on the government to rethink funding rules and invest in the workforce.

UNISON South East regional secretary Jo Galloway said: “South East NHS services are facing the biggest workforce cuts in the country, which should set alarm bels ringing for ministers. “Cutting jobs to balance the books is a false economy. It risks longer waits, reduced services and burnt out staff leaving the NHS altogether. “The government must rethink these financial rules and properly invest in the workforce our NHS desperately needs.”