Commenting, Ms. Forsythe said:
“The heavy reliance on agency staff not only places significant financial strain on public sector budgets but also creates instability for those working in these roles. Agency employment often lacks the security, stability, and benefits of permanent positions, leaving workers facing uncertainty about their future. It is crucial that we prioritise the creation of permanent roles within the public sector to provide employees with the certainty they deserve.
I want to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of agency staff who have stepped up to provide vital services, often under challenging circumstances. However, over-reliance on temporary solutions is not a sustainable approach.
It is therefore deeply concerning that the cost of the agency worker framework has risen by £127.5 million in January of this year, bringing the total to £552.5 million. The Finance Minister must provide a clear explanation for this significant increase and outline what steps are being taken to address the underlying issues driving this spending.
The over-reliance on agency staff is a symptom of deeper challenges in workforce planning and budget allocation with the NICS. With the NICS reporting some 3500 vacant posts and 2800 staff in temporary promotions, the Finance Minister must explain why filling substantive posts at appropriate grades does not appear to have been given priority. It is important that we address these issues and commit to building a public sector workforce that is both stable and sustainable, ensuring the best outcomes for employees, taxpayers, and the delivery of public services.”