Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS Long Term Plan and NHS Planning Guidance commitments for 2019-20, what progress his Department has made against the commitment to publish a workforce implementation plan in 2019; and if he will make a statement.

The National Health Service published its Interim People Plan on 3 June. This ‘Workforce Implementation Plan’ sets out the actions required to meet the health requirements of the population outlined in the Long Term Plan. The Interim People plan puts NHS people at the heart of NHS policy and a key programme is to make the NHS the best place to work. It was developed by engaging widely with staff, patients, employers, professional organisations, regulatory bodies, voluntary sector, academia and other experts. A new offer for all NHS staff will be developed.

A Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1587) was laid before the House on 4 June 2019 announcing the launch of the Interim NHS People Plan with the expectation that the final NHS People Plan will be published soon after the conclusion of the Spending Review later this year.