Joyce began training as a nurse days after her 18th birthday. Now, at the age of 60, she is looking forward to leaving. Joyce says, “We’re being asked to work longer hours for a reduction in our take-home wage. I thought by this stage in my career things would be easier and I’d be better off than I am, but my job is tougher and money is tighter than I ever imagined. Now I can’t wait to get out of the NHS.” Joyce, who has three grown-up children, earns £28K per year after 42 years’ service and degree-level training. Her husband Peter was made redundant from his public sector job five years ago.