Temporary NHS workers feel undervalued, unsupported and uncertain about job security

A new report has highlighted the negative experiences for temporary NHS staff, with as many as 60% left feeling that they don’t have a voice in the workplace.

National Guardian’s Speak Up Review

The recent National Guardian Speak Up review identified three key themes:

1. Workplace challenges faced by temporary workers in the NHS
2. Barriers and enablers of speaking up
3. Speaking up guidance, support and gaps

Of the temporary workers surveyed, half said that while they were aware of the formal processes available to them when raising concerns, they didn’t feel able to use them.

This was mainly due to fearing they would lose shifts or future work.

As a result of the findings, the National Guardian is calling for the NHS to work more closely with healthcare staffing agencies.

REC: Government anti‑agency rhetoric has only undermined efforts to build an inclusive culture

Responding to the publication, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s Director of Campaigns, Shazia Ejaz, said, “The NHS must better understand its large, skilled and committed temporary workforce – the very people it is relying on to keep wards open, keep appointments running and keep patients safe.

“A sensible next step is to include agency workers in the annual NHS Staff Survey.”

Shazia added, “The National Guardian is right to call for the NHS to work more closely with healthcare staffing agencies. This is because nurses, doctors and patients want greater confidence that the NHS can achieve joined-up workforce planning.

“The report shows that many temporary NHS workers feel undervalued, unsupported and uncertain about their job security, issues made worse by poor integration and team inclusion. This is a major criticism of the NHS, given the increasing demand from healthcare workers to work flexibility. It is vital that national bodies and the NHS work together to give temporary workers a stronger voice. Government anti‑agency rhetoric has only undermined efforts to build an inclusive culture: this report is a clear reminder that such rhetoric must end.

“We want to collaborate directly with the NHS, National Guardian’s Office and national representative bodies. The REC supports the recommendations in the review and will help member recruitment businesses to support measures, statutory or non-statutory, offered by trusts to ensure temporary workers have the right to speak up.”

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