A poll of almost 2,000 NHS and ambulance workers by the GMB union also reveals 60% said they wouldn't sign up to work for the NHS knowing what they know now.

The union conducted the survey as it gathers evidence for a Pay Review Body (PRB) submission on 26 November.

The PRB reviews evidence from various stakeholders – including workers bodies and the Government – before making a recommendation for NHS pay rises for the following year.

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said: ‘NHS workers have had a desperate 14 years. Real terms pay cuts, under-staffing, a global pandemic – it's no surprise they're ready to throw the towel in, or wish they'd never joined.

‘This year's above inflation pay rise was the first step in a long journey to making our health service a decent place to work once again.

‘GMB's submission to the PRB will make the case on behalf of health workers as to what needs to happen next.'