One of the UK’s largest NHS trusts has announced plans for significant workforce reductions as financial pressures mount. NHS job cuts are expected at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), with around 300 roles likely to be lost as the trust seeks to save £130 million from its £2.6 billion annual budget.
Chief executive Jonathan Brotherton confirmed that while the cuts are part of a wider 5% cost-saving initiative, patient services will be protected. He also noted that restructuring efforts could lead to operational improvements through greater use of technology and workforce productivity.
300 Jobs Set to Go Across Four Major Hospitals
UHB provides care for over 2.2 million patients annually and operates four major hospitals: Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston, Heartlands Hospital in Bordesley Green, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, and Solihull Hospital. The trust employs 26,000 people, and the planned job cuts will affect a small but notable portion of its workforce.
Despite the tough measures, Brotherton stressed that 90% of the required savings—equivalent to £115 million—have already been identified, largely thanks to staff engagement in the process.
“We’ve engaged thousands of staff in generating cost-saving ideas,” said Brotherton. “This isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about delivering better patient care, improving productivity, and rethinking how we work.”
Trust Reduces Reliance on Temporary Staff
Brotherton highlighted that reliance on temporary staff at the trust has been significantly reduced, with vacancy levels at their lowest ever across a range of roles, including doctors, nurses, and therapists. This has helped the trust maintain care levels while reducing costs.
Having started his NHS career as a paramedic, Brotherton said he still applies the same patient-focused values in executive decision-making. “We have to accept the challenge and move forward,” he said.
Government Urges Efficiency as NHS Struggles with Budget Gaps
The announcement follows a BBC report revealing that some NHS trusts fear they may be unable to pay staff wages due to rising financial strain. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care said ministers are committed to eliminating inefficiencies and increasing productivity across the NHS.
The department added that cost-cutting efforts should focus on reducing bureaucracy to protect and invest in frontline services.
