The new standards, developed in partnership with NHS England, NHS trade unions and staff representatives through the Social Partnership Forum, cover six key areas: violence prevention and reduction; championing sexual safety; tackling racism; promoting flexible working; line management; and health and wellbeing support.

Minister for secondary care Karin Smyth said: ‘For the first time, how trusts treat their employees will be measured and published, because we know that when staff are supported, patients get better care. This Government is determined to make the NHS the best employer it can be, and these standards are a landmark step in delivering on that promise.'

The percentage of staff who'd personally experienced violence at work from patients, their relatives or other members of the public rose by (14.47%) last year, the second consecutive rise.

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Rebecca Smith, director of staff experience and social partnership at NHS Employers, said: ‘We will support and encourage employers to review their current practices in partnership with their local trade unions against the staff standards and to take action where needed – and whenever possible exceed the standards set out in the framework.'