The government and NHS England are to set to reduce NHS's reliance on agency staff.

The news comes as the cost to the health service of hiring temporary workers sits at a staggering £3 billion a year.

Under plans that are due to be put forward for consultation, NHS trusts could be banned from using agencies to hire temporary entry level workers in band 2 and 3, such as healthcare assistants and domestic support workers.

There is also a proposal to stop NHS staff resigning and then immediately offering their services back to the health service through a recruitment agency.

It is hoped the proposed measures will save the NHS money, improve quality of care and enhance patient safety.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: "For too long desperate hospitals have been forced to pay eye-watering sums of money on temporary staff, costing the taxpayer billions, and pulling experienced staff out of the NHS. We’re not going to let the NHS get ripped off anymore.

"Last month the Chancellor made a historic investment in our health service which must reform or die. I am determined to make sure the money is well spent and delivers for patients.

"These changes could help keep staff in the NHS and make significant savings to reinvest in the frontline."

Julian Kelly, NHS chief financial officer, said: "The NHS is committed to ensuring every penny of taxpayer money is used wisely to the benefit of patients and to ensure fairness for our permanent staff. While agency spend is at a record low, with trusts on track to save £1 billion over two years, we want to go further still.

"That’s why the NHS, working alongside the government and providers, will launch a consultation with a view to stop using agencies to fill entry level posts, building on the approach we have successfully imposed for administrative and estates staff."