Investigation of factors affecting recruitment and retention in the UK veterinary profession

Tierney Kinnison,Renate Weller,Jennifer R Hagen,Timothy Stephen Mair

doi:10.1136/vr.106044

Tierney Kinnison, Renate Weller

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.106044

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Abstract

BackgroundRecruitment and retention is currently of major concern and has resulted in the veterinary profession being returned to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List in 2019.MethodsAn online questionnaire of veterinary employees...

Highlights

Recruitment and retention in the veterinary profession have become major topics of interest
In 2017, the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Recruitment Survey found that 52.3% of veterinary businesses were short staffed regarding veterinary surgeons,[1] despite the fact that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) reported that the number of graduates increased from 650 in 20072 to 929 in 20163
Overall results were similar to the recent RCVS Survey of the Profession,[6] this survey adds to published research via its consideration of moves within the profession, as well as leaving the profession, and its incorporation of both employee and employer views

Summary

Introduction

Recruitment and retention in the veterinary profession have become major topics of interest. According to the 2019 RCVS Survey of the Profession, 79.0% of veterinary surgeons plan on staying in the profession for the foreseeable future,[6] which seemingly high, shows a decrease from 82.9% in 20147 and 84.0% in 2010.8 Subsequently, the percentage planning on leaving the profession (for nonretirement reasons) has risen from 7.9%8 to 9.3%7 to 9.5%.6. Those planning to leave have continuously cited dissatisfaction with veterinary work, long working hours and stress, as contributing factors.[6,7]. Recruitment and retention is currently of major concern and resulted in the veterinary profession being returned to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List in 2019

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