NHS spending on agency staff has increased markedly in recent years – a rise of 171% over seven years - according to a report published today by the Auditor General for Wales. About 80% of agency spend to date in 2018-19 is providing cover for vacant positions and the NHS is seeking to reduce both the demand for agency staff and the price it pays for them.

Temporary staff in the NHS generally cost more than equivalent employees on substantive contracts. Those supplied by agencies tend to be the most expensive source of temporary staff.