Jessica O'ConnorThe NHS is set to overhaul its recruitment approach for newly qualified nurses and midwives, ensuring graduates can enter the workforce without delays.
Under the new plan, NHS providers will begin hiring staff before vacancies formally arise, with recruitment based on projected need rather than current headcount.
The move is designed to make sure the health service has the right number of staff in place to deliver high-quality care to patients nationwide.
Every newly qualified nurse and midwife will also be given additional support in their first role, including access to an online hub offering guidance and advice for job applications.
As part of the package, vacant maternity support worker posts will be temporarily reclassified as Band 5 midwifery roles, funded by £8m to create opportunities for newly qualified midwives and ease ongoing recruitment pressures.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “Having been a student nurse, I know how important it is to feel supported, valued, and able to get on with the job you have trained so hard to do.
“Every nurse and midwife deserves the guarantee of a job to apply for when they graduate, so we’re unlocking more opportunities right across health and care and providing refreshed online advice and support with applications to help ensure a smooth transition into employment.
“We have more nurses and midwives than ever before choosing to stay working in the NHS, which is fantastic for patients, but we must ensure our newest graduates get the same opportunity to put their skills and passion to use without frustrating delays.”
Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, welcomed the move.
She said:“Our student members have led the way in calling for ministers and healthcare leaders to provide certainty and clarity on jobs.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news that should provide hope to students as they come towards the end of their education and training. When the health service urgently needs nursing staff, it was absurd to leave people in limbo.
“The test of this will be if students can find jobs, vacant posts are filled, and patients receive the care they deserve. Ministers have to continue listening to nursing staff who are crying out to have their critical work valued, today’s action takes us all a little closer.”
Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We’re pleased that the Government has listened to the voices of student midwives who are desperate to start their career, only to find those opportunities blocked.
“I know today’s announcement will come as a relief to so many of the RCM’s student midwife members.
“These are people, mainly women, who have worked incredibly hard to complete their degree and are trained and ready to support our current midwifery workforce at a time when so many maternity services are under pressure. Ensuring we have the right midwifery staff, in the right places, at the right time with the right education and training has never been so crucial as services are striving to improve safety.”
