Council slashes spending on agency staff

WARRINGTON Borough Council has slashed spending on agency staff by 23 per cent during the current year – on top of a 21 per cent reduction in 2010-11.
But there is likely to be a continuing, unavoidable need for agency staff and Town Hall chiefs have approved a 12-month agreement to continue an arrangement until a long term deal can be identified offering a quality service at the best possible price.
It is estimated that a further 1.5 per cent reduction in price can be secured over the 12 month period.
The council currently obtains agency staff through an arrangement set up by AGMA – the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.
Agency staff are provided on a “supply chain management” basis – that is, a single provider liaises with a number of staffing agencies to identify and supply staff who best meet the council’s needs.
The service is provided by specialist company Comensura and has operated successfully for a number of years. But it is due to expire at the end of the month.
But council chiefs have approved a different system – MSTAR, or Managed Services for Temporary Agency Resources for the next 12 months – again through Comensura.
This will give time for long term options for the future to be assessed.

Follow @warringtonworld