In 2024–25, NMC panels made 289 striking-off orders: 278 nurses, 10 midwives and 1 nursing associate. That was 45% of 647 final panel decisions, up from 214 (35%) in 2023–24 and 191 (35%) in 2022–23. Across the register it is about 1 in 3,000 registrants (our calculation). Most referrals end far earlier: 72% of screening decisions closed the case without investigation.
Key takeaways
- 289 striking-off orders were made in 2024–25, out of 647 final panel decisions.
- That is about 1 in 3,000 people on the register (our calculation).
- Most referrals never reach a panel: 72% of screening decisions closed the case.
- Engaging with the process, insight and strengthened practice can all reduce the risk.
Being struck off is the outcome most people fear when a letter from the NMC arrives. It is natural to search for the numbers. This article gives you the official figures, puts them in context, and explains what the NMC looks at. This is general information, not legal advice.
How many nurses are struck off each year?
In 2024–25, NMC fitness to practise panels made 289 striking-off orders. Of these, 278 were for nurses, 10 for midwives and 1 for a nursing associate. Striking-off was 45% of the 647 final panel decisions that year.
| Year | Striking-off orders | Total final panel decisions | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 289 | 647 | 45% |
| 2023–24 | 214 | 620 | 35% |
| 2022–23 | 191 | 553 | 35% |
Source: NMC Annual Fitness to Practise Report 2024–2025, Table 7
The number and share of striking-off orders both rose in 2024–25. That is a real change and it is right to take it seriously. But this table only covers the small group of cases that reached a final hearing or meeting, which are usually the most serious.
What are my chances of being struck off?
No statistic can tell you what will happen in your case. What the numbers do show is that striking-off is rare compared with the number of referrals. Most referrals end much earlier:
- 72% of screening decisions in 2024–25 closed the case without investigation.
- Of the 1,171 decisions case examiners made after investigation, 658 referred the case to a panel. The other 513, or 44%, did not lead to a hearing (our calculation).
- Even at a panel, 94 outcomes in 2024–25 were that fitness to practise was not impaired, and 27 were that the facts were not proved.
You may see 289 striking-off orders set against 6,539 new concerns. Please treat that comparison with care. These are different cohorts of cases: the orders made in 2024–25 mostly relate to concerns raised in earlier years, so it is not a true rate. A fairer way to put it is that 289 orders is about 1 in 3,000 of the 853,707 people on the register (our calculation).
For the full set of figures, see NMC Fitness to Practise statistics 2024–25, explained.
When can the NMC strike someone off?
A striking-off order is the most serious sanction. It removes your name from the register, so you can no longer work as a registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate. The NMC's guidance says it is likely to be appropriate where a professional's actions are fundamentally incompatible with being on the register.
The NMC lists the types of case most likely to result in striking off. They include:
- Dishonesty or a breach of the professional duty of candour.
- Sexual misconduct.
- Abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
- Deliberately causing harm to people receiving care, or putting them at serious risk of harm.
- Failing to engage with the fitness to practise process.
There is also an important limit. A striking-off order cannot be used where fitness to practise is impaired because of health, lack of competence or not having the necessary knowledge of English, unless the person has been under a suspension order or conditions of practice order for a continuous period of two years.
Our guide to NMC sanctions explains each sanction and how panels choose between them.
What reduces the risk of being struck off?
The NMC's sanctions guidance asks whether any amount of insight and reflection could keep the public safe, and whether there is a realistic prospect that someone will strengthen their practice. That is where you have real influence.
- Engage with the process. Reply to letters, attend, and keep the NMC updated. Failing to engage is itself on the list of cases most likely to lead to striking off.
- Show insight. Explain what happened, why it matters, the impact on patients and colleagues, and what you would do differently.
- Strengthen your practice. Targeted training, supervised practice and evidence of safe work since the concern all help.
- Write a genuine reflection. Honest, specific reflection carries more weight than a polished statement.
- Gather testimonials from managers and colleagues who know your current practice.
- Get advice early, ideally before you send anything to the NMC.
Our article on how to demonstrate insight to the NMC explains what panels look for and how to evidence it.
Can you come back after being struck off?
Yes, in some cases. You can apply for restoration to the register, but only after five years from the date the striking-off order came into effect. In 2024–25 the NMC received 40 restoration applications, accepted 20 and rejected 10.
Read restoration after striking off for what the NMC looks at in an application.
When should I get legal advice?
As early as you can, and before you respond to the NMC. If you are a member, contact your union straight away: the RCN, RCM, Unison or Unite. Your professional indemnity provider may also offer advice and representation, and cover can depend on telling them early. If you have neither, a regulatory solicitor with experience of NMC cases can advise on your response and represent you at a hearing. Our article do I need a solicitor? explains the options. For emotional support, the NMC Careline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day on 0800 587 7396, and using it will not affect your case.
Frequently asked questions
NMC panels made 289 striking-off orders in 2024–25: 278 nurses, 10 midwives and 1 nursing associate. That was 45% of 647 final panel decisions.
In the cases that reach a panel, yes. Striking-off orders rose from 191 in 2022–23 and 214 in 2023–24 to 289 in 2024–25, and from 35% to 45% of final panel decisions.
Not straight away. A striking-off order cannot be used in lack of competence or health cases unless the person has been under suspension or conditions of practice for a continuous period of two years.
The NMC lists dishonesty or a breach of the duty of candour, sexual misconduct, abuse of children or vulnerable adults, deliberately causing harm, and failing to engage with the process among the cases most likely to lead to striking off.
You can apply for restoration five years after the striking-off order came into effect. In 2024–25 the NMC received 40 restoration applications and accepted 20.
