Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health, commenting on Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reports that NHS staffing growth is set to slow, said: 

“Yesterday, the Chancellor failed to provide a single penny of extra investment for social care and the NHS.

“Today, we have learnt from details hidden in the Autumn Statement that the NHS is set to have fewer staff this year than previously forecast.

 “With an unprecedented squeeze on NHS finances and now even fewer staff, it is clear that the Tories are failing our health service and its patients. It’s only Labour that will stand up for the NHS and provide the investment that is desperately needed.”