Agencies fear new staffing rules will squeeze NHS

New measures introduced in regards to hiring agency nurses and doctors could make the current NHS staffing crisis a lot worse - the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has warned.

A recent report found that almost half (48%) of agencies have healthcare professionals on their books that the NHS currently employs in bulk. However, come 1 April, trusts will no longer be able to use these candidates – instead shifting the focus to encourage nurses and doctors to seek internal over-time.