Key Summary
- Thousands of new posts will be created by removing barriers for NHS trusts to create more jobs for newly-qualified nurses and midwives
- NHS providers will begin recruiting nurses and midwives based on projected need rather than headcount
- This will see more healthcare professionals deployed across a wide variety of sectors, thereby improving access for patients
The government's new Graduate Guarantee is expected to improve the job prospects for qualified nurses and midwives.
Thousands of new posts will be created by removing barriers for NHS trusts to make sure there are enough jobs for every newly-qualified nurse and midwife in England.
Under the Graduate Guarantee, NHS providers will begin recruiting nurses and midwives before vacancies formally arise, with trusts supported to employ staff based on projected need rather than headcount.
This is expected to ensure that the NHS has the right number of staff to provide the best possible care to patients everywhere.
These new measures aim to tackle graduates’ concerns about job availability, after record numbers of people chose to study nursing during the pandemic.
As a result, there are up to three times as many graduates as there are vacancies in some areas.
The government's comprehensive package of reform and support will see more healthcare professionals deployed across a wide variety of sectors, thereby improving access for patients.
This also aligns with the Labour government's Plan for Change policy.
Health secretary, Wes Streeting, said, "No one who dedicates themselves to a nursing or midwifery career should be left in limbo, when their skills are so urgently needed in the effort to rebuild our NHS."
Vacant maternity support worker posts will be temporarily converted to Band 5 midwifery roles, backed by £8 million to create new opportunities specifically for newly qualified midwives.
Chief nursing officer for England, Duncan Burton, 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."
Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive, professor Nicola Ranger, 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."
Royal College of Midwives chief executive, Gill Walton, 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."
