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Midwives jobless amid staff shortages
20 Feb
Summary
- Nearly one-third of new midwives can't find jobs.
- Graduates seek work in retail and hospitality.
- Government points to 700 new roles and 10-year plan.
Newly qualified midwives are facing significant employment challenges, with almost a third unable to secure positions despite critical staff shortages in maternity services. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) surveyed over 300 graduates, finding that 31% were unemployed. Many are reportedly taking roles in hospitality, retail, and cleaning.
Those who have found work are often on fixed-term contracts or not working full-time. The RCM highlights a "disconnect" between training numbers and available secure roles, citing financial constraints and NHS recruitment freezes as deterrents. This uncertainty impacts graduates' wellbeing and financial stability.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated that 700 additional roles for newly qualified midwives have been created with £8 million in funding. They emphasized a record 31,024 midwives currently working in the NHS and a 10-year workforce plan to ensure long-term recruitment and retention.
