Resignation scheme to cut DHSC costs

'MARS' to reopen for management-level employees

Staff at the Department of Health and Social Care are being asked to consider voluntary resignation packages, it's been announced.

Government says the move will 'protect frontline services'.

The latest in a series of cost-cutting measures in healthcare will see management-level employees invited to utilise government's Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) for the first time in almost five years.

Those who come forward will be entitled to receive a payoff equivalent to up to a year's salary.

The decision follows a freeze on hiring 'non-essential' staff by the DHSC next month.

DHSC bosses say it is distinctly different than a voluntary redundancy scheme, and no positions are being axed.

Minister Kate Beecroft says reductions at the top will not affect public services.