There were more applications for higher specialty training posts in anaesthesia in the UK starting in August 2021 than in previous years, with approximately two-thirds being unsuccessful. This new national survey is all about recruitment to higher specialty training in anaesthesia in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Dr C Hughes was Dr C Holt, Dr J Subramaniam, Dr N Durrant and Dr S Edwardson. Their results suggest that junior anaesthetic doctors in the UK negatively perceived postgraduate training structures and changes to the postgraduate curriculum and experienced difficulties in securing higher training. This is a ‘must listen’ for all trainees and all those involved with training. Enjoy!