RCN responds to agency staffing research

Published: 30 December 2009

The RCN today (30 Dec) responded to reports that the NHS is increasing its spending on agency staff. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

"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. 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. Consistently paying agencies huge sums of money to fill the gaps is not acceptable."

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Notes for editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations