Member

Competition ratios have particularly worsened since 2019. Prior to 2019, the UK utilised a round 1/round 2 system for applications. Round 1 was open to those from the UK and the EU, as well as those with settled status in the UK, and round 2 was open to those who did not meet these requirements. As we know, the previous Government removed medicine from the shortage occupation list in 2019 within the previous resident labour market test rules. This meant employers could sponsor visas without having to prove that no suitable settled worker was available for the role. As a result, the round 1/round 2 system was effectively abolished. This meant doctors from anywhere in the world could now apply directly to specialty training in the UK without ever having worked in the UK.