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CSUs to cut 300 jobs

CSUs to cut 300 jobs
3 February 2014



Around 300 NHS staff face redundancy at commissioning support units (CSUs) NHS England has confirmed. 
According to NHS England, the 3% reduction in staffing levels is “so that resources are focused on frontline services, and taxpayer’s money is used effectively”. 
Now that the commissioning system has had time to “settle”, many CSUs are reviewing their cost base, including local workforce arrangements, NHS England stated. 

Around 300 NHS staff face redundancy at commissioning support units (CSUs) NHS England has confirmed. 
According to NHS England, the 3% reduction in staffing levels is “so that resources are focused on frontline services, and taxpayer’s money is used effectively”. 
Now that the commissioning system has had time to “settle”, many CSUs are reviewing their cost base, including local workforce arrangements, NHS England stated. 
An NHS England spokesman told the Guardian Healthcare Professionals Network: “Early indications show that CSUs across the country believe that this could mean compulsory redundancies equating to around 3% of the total CSU workforce (which currently equates to 292 posts). CSUs are also considering reductions in vacancies as well as other options such as changes to work patterns."
Dr Johnny Marshall, director of policy at the NHS Confederation acknowledged that it is an “unsettling time” for CSUs. 
He said: "Any change needs to be led by CSUs themselves in response to what CCGs are saying they need. The NHS does not need any further reorganisation less than a year after the new system was established, but if by concentrating expertise brings patient benefits, it might in the longer term be necessary.
"However, any changes must ensure we are not depriving the system of the commissioning knowledge, skills and expertise at a time when it is most needed."
Local consultations on redundancies began on 7 January and will follow national guidelines to ensure consistency across CSUs around the country.

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