Workload
December 2025
As part of RCGP’s strategic priority to “Tackle the workload and workforce crisis”, the College has commissioned new research to examine the nature, scale and impact of unnecessary and hidden workload in England – Uncovering the GP workload burden: A study of the drivers and costs of “unnecessary” and hidden workload (December 2025).
Excessive and unrecognised workload continues to threaten GP wellbeing and retention, alongside patients’ access to care, and the quality of care delivered. General practice carries substantial volumes of work that sit outside the consulting room, yet are essential to safe, continuous and coordinated care. Despite their importance, these tasks are often unmeasured, unfunded and poorly understood across the wider system.
This RCGP-commissioned study on GP workload, conducted by Apollo Innovation and Here, focused on understanding ‘unnecessary’ and ‘hidden’ tasks undertaken by GPs in England. The mixed-methods research combined a narrative literature review, in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 GPs, and a time and motion study to provide insight into the scale, nature, drivers and costs of unnecessary tasks in general practice. The findings, whilst indicative from a modest sample size, suggest that unnecessary workload activity carries an estimated average cost of £410.53 per GP per day, highlighting a substantial and avoidable burden and strengthening the case for urgent system-wide improvements to reduce administrative demands and protect patient care.
This research findings demonstrate that unnecessary and hidden workload is widespread and under-recognised across general practice in England. GPs reported spending a significant proportion of their day on indirect care, reflecting the extent of work that supports patients but remains largely unseen. Importantly, much of this work takes place outside GPs’ contracted hours and cannot simply be converted into additional appointment capacity. Workload intensity and resource demands were identified as key drivers of retention problems, and practices in deprived areas were highlighted as facing greater hidden burdens. The study also found that digital infrastructure inefficiencies, including issues with access, quality and interoperability of IT systems, amplified workload pressures. Recognising the complexity of defining and identifying “unnecessary” and “hidden” work, and acknowledging that some of these activities are essential for patient safety and continuity of care, the study presents a nuanced picture. More research is needed to validate the indicative cost of unnecessary workload, and better understand both the financial and emotional impacts.
The RCGP will continue work to support GPs and their teams with workload concerns, as we look to identify opportunities for change and engage with NHS England, Government, and system partners to reduce hidden and unnecessary workload and improve sustainability in general practice.
Useful resources
Our Bright ideas from general practice webpage showcases practical innovations developed by GP teams across the UK, including case studies that highlight examples of good practice and innovation in managing workload.
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