We are calling for urgent action to address the critical shortage of employment opportunities for newly qualified midwives and nurses in the UK. 

I started my journey to become a Registered Midwife almost 5 years ago. Going back into education after not having the right qualifications to studying Midwifery at university. After gaining qualifications for my English and Maths along with an Access to Health Studies qualifications, I started my BSc Midwifery course with the expectation of a job waiting for me at the end of the course. The expectation was there because we always hear how the NHS is struggling with a lack of midwives and nurses however that's far from the truth. Many newly qualified Nurses and Midwives will qualify in the coming months and have no job to go to! 

Many trusts across the UK have pre-warned the students who are completing their clinical training at their placement trusts, that there is no jobs for them at the end of their training! 

We need to change the way we look after those who have given up so much to work in the NHS. It's time for change!! Please sign our petition and share this among your friends, family and colleagues! 

Background:

1. Financial Burden: Students are graduating with over £60,000 in debt, a significant financial burden that is exacerbated by the lack of job opportunities upon qualification.

2. Unpaid Clinical Hours: Throughout their training, these students have worked over 2,300 hours clinically for free, providing essential care and support within the NHS and other healthcare settings.

3. Employment Crisis: Despite the high demand for healthcare professionals, many newly qualified midwives and nurses are struggling to secure employment, leaving them in a precarious financial and professional position.

Call to Action:

We urge the government to implement the following measures to ensure that newly qualified midwives and nurses have access to employment opportunities upon graduation:

1. Increase Funding: Allocate additional funding to healthcare institutions to create more job openings for newly qualified professionals.

2. Job Guarantee Programs: Establish job guarantee programs that ensure every newly qualified midwife and nurse is offered a position within the NHS or other healthcare settings.

3. Provide financial and professional support to help newly qualified midwives and nurses transition into their roles, including mentorship programs and continued professional development opportunities.

The current situation is unsustainable and unfair to those who have dedicated years of their lives to training and supporting our healthcare system. Immediate action is needed to ensure that newly qualified midwives and nurses can begin their careers without the added stress of unemployment and financial instability.