Two hospitals in Northamptonshire are set to reduce their workforce by up to 800 positions as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), which includes Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals, announced it is pursuing a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) aimed at reducing salaries and overall operational expenses.
The voluntary resignation programme has already led to the departure of 329 staff members, with the remaining 450 expected to leave over the coming months. The scheme is designed to lower workforce costs without directly impacting patient care, as employees in patient-facing roles are excluded from the scheme.
The hospitals have confirmed that the plan, which aims to save significant sums in wages and agency costs, is progressing ahead of schedule. While this initiative is part of a broader effort to cut costs amid increasing financial pressure on the NHS, the trade union UNISON has expressed concerns that these job cuts may exacerbate existing pressures on the healthcare system.
With staffing costs making up about 60% of the hospitals’ annual expenditure, UHN is focused on reducing its workforce as part of its broader strategy to manage financial sustainability without sacrificing care quality.
