NHS England to Cut Workforce by Half in Major Restructuring

The overhaul aims to streamline operations, eliminate duplication with the Department of Health, and redirect resources to frontline care.

NHS England plans to reduce its workforce by 50%, cutting approximately 6,500 jobs, under a restructuring led by incoming interim chief executive Sir Jim Mackey.
The changes are intended to eliminate duplication of roles between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve efficiency and save costs.
This restructuring follows an earlier plan to cut 15% of jobs, but the scale has since tripled to address significant financial challenges and save £325 million for reinvestment in frontline services.
Key senior leaders, including Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, Chief Financial Officer Julian Kelly, and Chief Operating Officer Dame Emily Lawson, are stepping down as part of the transition.
Unions and staff have raised concerns about the rapid pace of the changes, warning of potential negative impacts on employee morale and patient care.