Voluntary redundancies approved at health bodies

More than 160 voluntary redundancies have been approved within health commissioning bodies covering Shropshire and Staffordshire.

The Integrated Care Boards (ICB) for NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke now work as a cluster. Staff were invited to apply for redundancy in 2025.

It comes as ICBs across the country have been told to reduce their running costs as part of government plans to put more cash into care.

"Following NHS England approval, 164 voluntary redundancy applications have been approved to date and are proceeding to settlement agreement stage," an NHS spokesperson said.

They added that work was ongoing to finalise the workforce for the new integrated structure.

"Colleagues were offered a second opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy, which closed after final structures and job descriptions were issued, enabling people to make the most informed decision for them personally," the spokesperson said.

"The selection process for roles within the new structure will take place in April."

The government's NHS Government Reset Programme will be discussed at an ICB cluster meeting in Wellington on Thursday.

Simon Whitehouse, chief executive of the cluster, is set to tell colleagues that work is continuing to "develop an affordable structure... in line with the reduced running cost allowance of £19.55 per head of population."

"Colleagues started to leave both ICBs in February," his report adds.

"Of colleagues leaving there is no doubt that we are losing a significant amount of knowledge, experience and commitment.

"On behalf of the board and the executive team, I would like to thank every single colleague that has made the decision to leave through the voluntary redundancy process for their service and contribution to improving the health of the population."

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