Nursing and healthcare agency to recruit 300 more staff

Leanne Silverwood

Nursing, social and healthcare agency Local Care Force is launching a recruitment drive for 300 extra staff.

The business, which has offices in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, said this is to meet current demand across the healthcare sector which is struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

And the firm said it has introduced one-to-one video calls to deliver specialist training to new recruits as part of new rules on social distancing, and to provide peace of mind for applicants who may be returning to the sector in response to the Government’s call for experienced staff to support the UK’s response to the pandemic.

It said the hi-tech system will not only secure the jobs of its dedicated trainers, rather than face furloughing, but will provide much needed support for its nurses, support, health and care workers.

Leanne Silverwood, Local Care Force managing director, said: “In response to the current climate we have had to innovate and change the way we do things.

“As a business owner, I’m responsible firstly for the livelihoods of my staff, and for delivering a robust service and continued support to the health and social care sectors through the provision of experienced workers during the pandemic and beyond.

“Our solution will tackle both head on.”

She added: “Whilst the Government’s assistance and suggestion of furloughing employees may be the only option for many businesses at this time, we are very aware that this pot is not endless and so have looked at ways we can avoid this.

“Making the move to provide dedicated training via video in this time of great need and demand will do just that.

“However, this also provides support for those returning to duty after a time away, who may need some help to feel confident and competent in their abilities as they re-join the front line.”

Local Care Force was established in 2004.

It provides workers to the nursing, healthcare and social care sectors.

As the preferred partner to many large private, public and charitable organisations, it also supplies to private hospitals including Nuffield and Spire and a number of prisons.

It has just under 50 employees and more than 1,800 temporary and permanent workers.

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