An expected contraction of £15bn in NHS finances between 2001 and 2015, identified in a report published on Wednesday is good news for recruiters, according to Kate Bleasdale, vice chairman of Healthcare Locums.

The report by the NHS Confederation warns that the cuts could lead to a reduction in costly permanent staff, and recommends using the workforce more efficiently and taking a more commercial approach to commissioning services.

Bleasdale says: “Locum staff cost the taxpayer less than permanent staff as they do not receive public sector pensions and benefits. Furthermore, flexible workforces are adaptable — healthcare professionals can be moved around quickly depending on where they are most needed to meet the fluctuating demands of the population.

“HCL expects to see steadily increasing demands for our services as NHS Trusts seek to improve efficiency and save money.”