This week GP exclusively reveals that fears of a retirement time bomb have not materialised and experts are warning of a 'log jam' making it hard for young GPs to find work.

Are you experiencing this and why do you think it is happening?

Money is a big issue and General practice has always been underpaid.With Average earnings going up,it is very tempting to stay for 'a bit longer' as the pension pot will get bigger as well.This is human nature.

Increased earnings added to flexible hours/sessions is certainly a very lucrative option

It is not at all surprising that older GPs are not retiring in the numbers expected and are instead deciding to continue working. With average earnings for partners increasing over the past few years together with the option of opting out of out of hours work, continuing to work rather than retiring may seem like an attractive option for many older GPs.  Many GPs may feel that the time is coming when their when earnings in general practice will not be as good as they are now, and so are willing to continue working into their old age for the next few years while their health allows it and while they can still receive a decent income.  Of course, the knock on effect is that there are fewer GP positions for younger and or/newly qualified GPs and little hope of career progression.