Minister: 'More permanent doctors' than before 2010

Spending on locum doctors to fill the gaps left by unfilled vacancies for doctors in A&E units in England has risen by 60% in three years, figures show.

The data obtained by Labour under the Freedom of Information Act shows that one in six specialist doctors are temporary members of staff.

Health minister Dan Poulter told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there are now "more permanent doctors than there were before 2010", with a 20% increase in consultants.

He explained that the government is currently looking at "how to work with junior doctors to encourage them to go into A&E", with emphasis on improving the work-life balance of employees.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 14 January 2014.