Salaries and costs
Pay usually follows Agenda for Change in NHS settings, with Band 2 and 3 support roles starting in the low £20,000s, Band 5 nurses sitting around the high £20,000s to mid £30,000s with enhancements, and senior posts moving higher with responsibility. In social care and private healthcare, pay rates track duties, location, and shift uplifts. For employers, recruitment fees vary by seniority and scarcity, with permanent placement fees often structured as a percentage of starting salary. Temp agencies charge an hourly rate that covers pay, holiday, and their margin, and clear rate cards help budget for nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Ask for transparency on agency costs and recruitment fees up front, and check how extensions or temp to perm conversions are priced.
Qualifications and checks
For clinical roles, NMC or HCPC registration is non negotiable, and agencies will confirm revalidation dates, immunisations, and clinical references. Support workers need recent care experience, up to date training on moving and handling, and a clear DBS. Many providers request PMVA or MAPA certificates for mental health settings, and food hygiene for community care and residential services. Recruitment consultants should outline what they verify and how often, so managers can sign off bookings quickly.
Common roles agencies place
Hospitals call for theatre nurses, ODPs, ward nurses, HCAs, allied health, and non clinical staff in admin and patient flow. Community services hire registered nurses, nursing associates, rehab assistants, and coordinators for clinics and discharge teams. Primary care bookings include practice nurses, HCAs, phlebotomists, and reception. Social care demand spans senior carers, support workers, team leaders, and managers for residential and domiciliary care. Executive search comes into play for service managers, heads of nursing, and director level posts where leadership fit matters.
Contracts and working patterns
Healthcare recruiters handle temporary cover, fixed term contracts, and permanent hires. Temp bookings can be block shifts, ad hoc, or long lines on specific wards. Permanent campaigns work well for department builds or when opening new services. If you need out of hours cover, ask which recruitment agencies offer 24 hour lines, and check response times for late calls. Jobseekers can register with an agency for bank style flexibility, move into contract work, or aim for a permanent path that suits family and study plans.
Regional or geographic variations
Demand clusters around Derriford, but there is steady need across the waterfront and suburbs, with providers in Devonport, North Prospect, and Manadon seeking reliable staff. Commuter links bring candidates from Saltash and Torpoint over the Tamar, and from towns on the A38 through to Exeter. Agencies that truly know local bus routes and shift change pinch points will schedule start times that work, which helps retention and attendance.
Hiring process tips for employers
Share skill mix, patient ratios, and clinical systems early, and confirm site parking or travel guidance. Agree pay rates and charge rates in writing, then set a simple sign off route for timesheets. Ask recruitment consultants how they brief candidates on safeguarding, infection prevention, and incident reporting. A short site induction for temps cuts settling in time and reduces the chance of missed breaks. If you are scaling fast, one or two preferred employment firms with weekly review calls can keep supply steady and agency costs controlled.
Quick FAQs
How quickly can a temp start in Plymouth healthcare settings?
Same day is possible for pre cleared workers, and next day is common for most roles if checks are in place.
Do agencies cover both NHS and private care?
Yes, many recruiters place across hospitals, community services, care homes, and private clinics.
What paperwork should I prepare before I hire staff?
Have a brief job summary, shift patterns, site address, and manager contact ready, plus pay rates or budgets.
Can jobseekers pick up extra shifts around studies?
Yes, bank style contracts and agency work suit students and returners who want flexible hours.
Where can I find healthcare recruitment agencies in Plymouth?
You can view and contact recruitment agencies on this page, compare their focus, and register with an agency that suits your needs.