Northern Ireland's health and social care trusts will accelerate a planned reduction in agency workers from October 2026 to protect frontline services amid financial pressure.

Trust chief executives have confirmed the next phase, which introduces new arrangements to further reduce agency usage. The move builds on existing reductions across social work, nursing and midwifery roles.

Under the plans, trusts will progressively eliminate reliance on agency staffing during 2026/27 and beyond. Temporary staffing requirements will be met through substantive employment, strengthened trust bank arrangements and regionally agreed workforce solutions.

Agency staff will still be used in limited circumstances where needed to maintain safe services and continuity of care. However, trust leaders say current levels are not sustainable financially or from a workforce perspective.

Speaking on behalf of trust chief executives, Karen Hargan of the Western Trust said stable, directly employed teams provide greater continuity for patients, stronger working relationships and a better staff environment. She said reductions have already been achieved and in some areas agency use has been eliminated.

Hargan said the decision to accelerate was taken to make the best possible use of available funding and protect frontline resources. The aim is to build a stronger, more stable and sustainable HSC workforce while continuing to deliver safe care.

Trusts will continue recruitment, retention and workforce planning initiatives, streamline recruitment processes and strengthen internal staff banks. Nursing and midwifery staff banks are being expanded and reformed to provide flexible employment opportunities within the HSC.