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NHS: Agency Workers

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 4 June 2026UIN 3709

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost difference between NHS bank staff and agency staff.

Answered by Karin Smyth

NHS England estimates that agency staff cost the National Health Service, on average, 20% more than staff bank workers for the same role.

While both bank and agency models allow the NHS to meet fluctuations in workforce demand, bank staff are typically paid at standard Agenda for Change rates, whereas agency costs include significant additional margins and administrative fees.

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