RCN responds to agency staffing research

Published: 04 January 2010

The Royal College of Nursing says that it is not acceptable for the NHS to pay agencies huge sums of money to fill staffing gaps.

The comments come in response to reports that the NHS is increasing its spending on agency staff.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says:

"Agency workers provide a valuable service and these figures should be viewed with caution as the agency receives a substantial part of the 'salary'. However, at a time when the NHS is having to make huge efficiency savings, trusts must get a better hold on their reliance on agency staff to stop these vast sums of money being squandered.”

The RCN says that trusts need to better manage peaks and troughs of demand, make their workplaces attractive for permanent staff, and ensure there are flexible working arrangements available.