Freedom of Information data has revealed that NHS ill health retirement applications have increased by 43% since 2021/22. 

There has been a steep rise in ill health retirement applications across the NHS, in the face of mounting workforce pressures. Their increase of 43% since 2021/22 means a rise of around 1,000 more NHS staff applying for these reasons each year.

Most applications are successful, new Freedom of Information data from the NHS Business Services Authority has revealed.

The data, obtained by financial advisors Wesleyan, shows there were 2,132 applications in 2021/22, but 3,062 by 2025/26.

Ill health retirement allows NHS Pension Scheme members who become permanently incapable of carrying out their role because of illness or disability to access their pension before normal retirement age, without the usual early retirement reductions.

In recent years, more applications have been approved than previously, across both Tier 1, where people are permanently unable to continue in their NHS role but may still be capable of other work, and Tier 2, where someone is considered permanently unable to undertake any regular employment before pension age.

Tier 2 awards made up most of 2025/26’s successful outcomes.

Mounting staff pressures 

The data doesn’t go into why employees are applying for ill health retirement, but comes amid ongoing issues around workforce pressures, doctors’ burnout and reduced hours due to poor health. 

“A 43% increase in applications over four years is a significant rise. While the data itself can’t tell us exactly what’s behind it, it certainly reflects what we’re seeing day to day, with increasing levels of burnout across the NHS,” said Wilf Moralee, chartered financial planner at Wesleyan.

There are also likely to be many more healthcare professionals suffering similarly but not formally applying, perhaps already on long-term sick leave and unaware of the scheme, or wrongly assuming they won’t be eligible.

Burnout spiked in the Covid-19 pandemic across the NHS, but has remained high in the years since.