The use of agency staff is vital if NHS Trusts are to meet the requirements of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) which limits doctors to working 48 hours a week, according to the commercial director at healthcare recruiter Pulse.

However, according to a survey commissioned by Pulse, Trust’s dependency varies greatly across the UK. While 64% of junior doctors in the East Midlands said their Trust used agencies to ensure EWTD compliance, this figure fell to only 19% in the South-West. The average was 42%.
 
Kate Harris, commercial director at Pulse, told Recruiter: “Flexible staffing providers in the healthcare sector have an important role to play in helping Trusts to ensure they have sufficient cover to address the 48 hour week restriction so that doctors get the work/life balance they deserve without hindering their career progression.
 
“Going forward, it is clear that workforce optimisation and flexible working practices will have a central role to play in helping Trusts to successfully comply with this regulation. A lateral approach to workforce management from Trusts will enable doctors to gain the balance of skills they need to progress their careers.”