NHS England Cuts Agency Staff Spending Nearly £1 Billion

NHS England has reduced its spending on agency staff by nearly £1 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, following a government pledge led by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to cut agency use by 30%. This reduction is part of a broader reform strategy aimed at reinvesting funds into frontline care and staff pay, including above-inflation salary increases for resident doctors and nurses. To further curtail costs, proposals include banning NHS trusts from using agencies for entry-level roles and preventing staff from resigning only to return as higher-paid agency workers. The government has warned NHS trusts and integrated care boards that failure to meet targets could prompt legislative action to eliminate agency reliance altogether. NHS England officials emphasize that these reforms not only save taxpayer money but also help reduce waiting lists, improve patient care quality, and enhance safety by decreasing clinical incidents. The efforts reflect a commitment to use NHS funds more efficiently while supporting permanent staff and improving overall health service productivity.