NHSE is making nearly 1,300 workers compulsory redundant at regional offices around the country as the organisation is absorbed back into the DHSC.

Unite says it has seen proposed new structures and is highlighting the disproportionate effect any compulsory redundancies will have on women and BAME staff.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: ‘It beggars belief that anyone thinks the answer to the NHS's problems is fewer staff and more managers. These job losses will see women and BAME staff hit hardest as they are the ones furthest down the pay scales.

‘Unite will be continuing to pressure the government into investing properly in our health service and not making the system and the service worse by cutting roles.'

The union says the job cuts disproportionately affect the low to middle bands of the workforce, with the highest bands seeing relatively low cuts to numbers - in one executive management band there is an increase in roles.

Unite national officer for health, Richard Munn, added: ‘While upper management are yet again protected from the worst impacts, women and BAME staff at the bottom of the pay scales will face the worst effects.

'This is a shameful act from a government that, instead of truly investing in a world-class health service, simply robs Peter to pay Paul.'

An NHS spokesperson said: ‘In moving to a new operating model to better support frontline services we will need to change how we work. That means moving to a smaller but more highly skilled workforce. 

‘It is wrong to say we are targeting specific groups of individuals. As we consult with staff on the proposals, we are absolutely committed to treating all affected staff fairly and with respect and will be working closely with trade unions throughout this difficult process.'