Despite the projected overall growth, thousands of jobs have been lost across England as NHS trusts were required to consolidate their budgets.  Further redundancies are expected.  Compared to the overall size of the NHS, relative figures are still low.

As the 10 year NHS investment plan in England is nearing completion, employment growth within the NHS is expected to slow down.  Pressures to increase efficiency and productivity through changes in skill mix will also slow employment growth. There has been a stronger emphasis on local workforce planning to meet local service needs.

The sector is still experiencing recruitment and retention problems, particularly in regions of low unemployment and high costs of living.  Three month vacancy rates in England have decreased:

• occupational groups ranging from 1% and 3%
• therapeutic radiographers (6%) and occupational therapists (3.9%) are still above average

To address staff shortages, a variety of measures have been implemented, including:

• national recruitment campaigns funded by the Department of Health
• recruitment from a more diverse workforce
• return to work schemes
• financial incentives for retainers
• more flexible working hours 
• changes in job roles 
• expansion of the training places (particularly for medical, nurse, therapy or other health professional students)

Whilst national recruitment campaigns target all staff groups, international ones are aimed at the highly skilled workforce, in particular nurses and medical practitioners.

Source: Skills for Health 2006, Skills for Health 2005, NHS Vacancy survey 2005 and Wanless 2002