The UK will continue to recognise EU professional qualifications for NHS workers if Brexit takes place at the end of this week, it has been announced.

Health ministers have decided to continue the recognition programme unilaterally in the event of a sudden exit through “no deal.”

The UK government will today continue its quest for an extension to Article 50 – and EU heads of state are due to issue a decision later this week before the last extension expires on Friday.

As part of the EU qualifications have been recognised through an EU directive entitled “mutual recognition of professional directives”, enabling thousands of EU workers to take jobs in the NHS.

NHS employers last night appealed for the EU to offer similar guarantees to Britons working in the EU.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “We have been clear that we must continue to embrace the vital contribution of our talented colleagues from overseas in caring for our patients and communities.

“We very much welcome the news, as will employers and staff, that the UK will recognise the qualifications of EU professionals in a no-deal situation. We would hope for similar confirmation of recognition for those with UK qualifications working in the EU.”