Calls for urgent review of NHS staffing policy

The government is being urged to review its NHS staffing policy after the latest Freedom of Information (FOI) report revealed that some NHS trusts are paying significantly more for Bank staff than agency workers.

Restriction on NHS agency staff driving up costs

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has written to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee requesting an inquiry following these findings.

This comes just as ministers are about to prepare the NHS 10 Year Workforce Plan and defend restrictions on agency use – almost a year after the Health Secretary told trusts to cut back sharply on agency staffing and move towards relying on Bank workers instead.

The answer is not to favour one staffing route over another, but to fix the underlying problem.

Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, explained, “The idea that Bank staff are always cheaper is simply wrong. Our data shows the opposite in some cases, and that should ring alarm bells for ministers.

“This shows that workforce shortages, not staffing models, drive cost. The answer is not to favour one staffing route over another, but to fix the underlying problem. Even with capped agency rates and no off-framework use, some of the highest cost shifts are still filled through Bank.

“Trusts need a larger, more flexible workforce, better long-term planning and pay frameworks that reflect real world demand. Until then, costs will rise wherever shortages persist. This means talking with healthcare staffing providers, not sidelining them as has been the case for too long.

“We hope that MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee can investigate further and bring clarity and calm to this politicised debate, which doesn’t serve the interests of taxpayers or patients.”

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