The NHS Wales Workforce Trends report reveals a number of positive movements, including: greater workforce stability; a decrease in nurse vacancies; a reduction in agency spend; and stabilised turnover in key areas such as nursing and midwifery.

Craig Barker, assistant director of analytics at HEIW, said: ‘We are proud to publish this report because it offers a clear, evidence-based view of the NHS Wales workforce as at 31 March 2025. It provides valuable insights for colleagues across the system and supports effective, data-driven workforce planning and development.'

Key findings of the report include:

• ongoing reliance on international recruitment in medical and dental staffing
• persistent sickness absence, particularly linked to anxiety, stress and musculoskeletal conditions
• the growing need for targeted action on workforce ageing.
• the vital contribution of early and mid-career staff, now forming the largest share of many workforce groups, alongside emerging retention risks as working patterns and expectations evolve.

Alex Howells, chief executive HEIW, said: ‘Over the past year, our workforce has demonstrated resilience in the face of sustained service pressures, rising demand and the complex health needs of our population. This report highlights where progress has been made and where continued investment, support and reform are needed.'

The Welsh Government said: ‘We welcome the report's findings, which show record NHS Wales workforce growth, reduced nurse vacancies and falling agency costs.

‘Our continued investment of nearly £300m a year in training new members of the workforce is making a real impact, but we recognise challenges remain and are committed to supporting our staff and building a sustainable NHS for the future.'