Publication, Part of NHS workforce statistics
NHS Workforce Statistics - March 2026
Official statistics
Official Statistics in Development - release of data on the Community workforce
In the April 2026 publication month, we intend to release data relating to the Community workforce. This will be based on the NHS workforce as recorded on the Electronic Staff Record (ESR).
We have worked with stakeholders within this field to refine a definition for the Community workforce. This definition draws on a selection of Occupation Codes, Areas of Work, and Trust types. The full definition listing all the Occupation Code, Area of Work, and Trust type inclusions will be made available with the data release.
Data will initially be classed as Official Statistics in Development. As with all such releases, we will invite and review feedback and introduce changes if required.
28 May 2026 09:30 AM
Introduction
The data within these reports relates to monthly HCHS workforce statistics for staff in England recorded on the NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR). ESR is a payroll and human resources system which, since April 2008, contains staff records for all NHS employed staff in England. Statistics from this data source are only available for September 2009 onwards and are published monthly. Staff working in Primary Care settings are not covered by these statistics.
The changing nature of organisations that provide NHS services may impact on the overall totals as providers external to the NHS are excluded from the figures.
In previous versions of these statistics, we issued quarterly reports which supplemented the monthly reports with additional detail. These updates are now incorporated into the monthly releases except for Reason for Leaving data, which are still published quarterly.
Revisions and Issues
As an ongoing monthly statistics series, some figures may be revised as issues are uncovered and resolved. Details of revisions and issues are included in the Data Quality Annex which accompanies this publication.
Further Information
If you are interested in statistics that are not contained within our publications or wish to discuss any related matters please contact us with your requests, comments and suggestions via:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 303 5678
Recent responses to requests for additional analysis
Every month NHS England produces a range of additional work for customers that may be of interest to other users of NHS workforce statistics. These are available on the Supplementary information webpage which is continually updated.
Last edited: 28 May 2026 9:58 am