The government is trying to make it easier for refugees with health qualifications to work in the NHS.

The Refugee Health Professional Steering Group, which supports refugee doctors and nurses, is to have its funding increased by £500,000. The money will pay for language and clinical skills courses to help refugee doctors, nurses and dentists prepare for exams and gain full-time employment.

Meanwhile, a document leaked to The Guardian newspaper has revealed that foundation hospitals are exempt from rules designed to prevent posts being advertised in developing countries.

The Department of Health has confirmed that it cannot compel foundation hospitals to follow the code, which also does not apply to the private sector.