25th April 2010
NHS jobs on the line

Amid news of "inevitable" public sector job losses, recent reports suggest that NHS jobs could be on the line, which experts say would have "disastrous" consequences.

A squeeze on spending could lead to massive job cuts, but if NHS and other public sector jobs are targeted, the quality of care in hospitals and surgeries around the UK is expected to suffer.

Chief Executive of the health service Sir David Nicholson has reportedly warned that up to £20bn of savings will have to be found by 2014 - about 5% a year - which Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems have all said can be achieved through management cuts and improving productivity.

Speaking to the BBC, the head of the Royal College of Nursing Peter Carter said:

"There are obviously efficiency savings which can be made, but it is pie in the sky to think that the £20bn figure can be achieved through better productivity alone. The reality is that plans are being drawn up to take money out of the NHS and it will be disastrous for the future."

There have already been reports of a recruitment freeze on NHS jobs in Essex, Lancashire and Dorset.

RD Resourcing regularly have permanent and temporary jobs available in the public sector. Find out more by contacting a member of the team for advice and for details of current jobs.