The plans are part of a national drive by NHS trusts to reduce their workforce by 20,000 as revealed by Unison this week.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘Like many NHS trusts nationally, we are facing significant financial pressures and have a responsibility to use public resources efficiently while providing safe, high-quality care.

‘As part of this, the trust is planning to reduce its workforce by around 600 whole-time equivalent roles over the next two years. We are taking a measured approach, including a voluntary severance scheme and exception-based recruitment. Recruitment will continue for some roles essential to patient safety and service delivery.

‘We are committed to managing these changes fairly and transparently, working closely with staff, trade unions and partners to minimise impact and ensure continuity of care for our communities.'

A University Hospitals Tees spokesperson said: ‘We are working with NHSE and ICB colleagues to ensure that our commitment to delivering safe, quality services for our patients and communities continues. Ensuring our workforce models are optimised to reflect the health and care needs across the Tees and North Yorkshire remains our priority. In line with wider NHS ambitions, this will involve a reduction in whole time equivalent posts.'