Responding to reports from NHS Providers that senior managers are concerned about discrimination, with staff facing 'no go zones' and abuse, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said:

“Nursing staff dedicate their lives to caring for others, and too often they are faced with the most appalling hatred and intimidation. A sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric is fuelling a growing cesspool of racism, including against international and ethnic minority nursing staff, without whom our health and care system would simply cease to function.

“Those working in the community feel especially vulnerable and employers have a duty to ensure they are protected. Following a summer of further racist disorder, it is little wonder a growing number of nursing staff report feeling unsafe, particularly when having to work on their own and often at night. 

“The government and all politicians have to stop pandering to dangerous anti-migrant sentiments and employers must prioritise tackling racism and work with trade unions to develop stronger mechanisms to protect staff.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Ethnic minority nursing staff report shocking racist abuse at work, as calls to RCN advice line surge by 55% - 27 October 2025