Lack of jobs for new midwives ‘being worked on’, says CNO

England’s chief nursing officer (CNO) has recognised ongoing issues relating to a lack of jobs for newly registered midwives and suggested a ‘solution’ was being worked on.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) told Nursing in Practice that the situation was one of its ‘greatest concerns’ and impacting graduates’ wellbeing.

Duncan Burton was speaking during a session at this year’s NHS ConfedExpo when he highlighted ongoing challenges in maternity care services and the need to ‘make sure we’ve got the right number of midwives’ and other staff working in these settings.

He recognised there was an ‘issue’ in terms of having enough jobs for newly graduating midwives, but said: ‘We’re working on a solution to that at the moment.’

Related Article: Former QICN chief and Wales CNO among nurses recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

And he pointed to the government’s ‘graduate guarantee’ initiative introduced last year which pledged to provide more jobs for newly registered nurses and midwives in England.

The RCM said it had hoped the initiative ‘would improve the situation’ but a recent survey of newly qualified midwives which showed that one in three graduates from last year still had not secured a job.

The union warned that addressing the issue was particularly pertinent given staffing concerns within maternity units.

Heather Bower, head of education at the RCM, told Nursing in Practice: ‘The lack of jobs for newly qualified midwives is one of the RCM’s greatest concerns, especially as practicing midwives are anxious about unsafe staffing on maternity units across the country.

‘This uncertainty is having a serious impact on graduates’ wellbeing, with many experiencing anxiety, stress and loss of confidence at the very start of their careers.’

She added: ‘At a time when maternity services are struggling with staff shortages, we should be doing everything we can to bring these newly qualified professionals – who are ready to work – into the maternity workforce.

‘Instead, they are being failed which is undermining the safe staffing levels we so desperately need.’

There are several ongoing investigations into maternity services across England, including Nottingham, Sussex, and Leeds – as well as the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, led by Baroness Valerie Amos.

Related Article: General Practice Awards 2026: entry deadline extended to 16 June

Former health and social care secretary Wes Streeting called for the national investigation in June last year following a series of meetings with bereaved families, to ensure ‘truth, accountability, and urgent improvements to care and safety’.

Interim findings published in February revealed that services are failing to deliver consistent, safe and equitable care, with staffing pressures and structural racism among the most serious concerns.

Baroness Amos’ independent investigation into maternity and neonatal care, with full recommendations for improvements due to be published next month.

Midwives at this year’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress recently shared the emotional toll and anxiety of external reviews, saying they are adding pressure to ‘overstretched’ teams.

Related Article: Northern Ireland’s CNO condemns ‘utterly horrific’ racist attack against nurse

Midwifery teams are reported receiving death threats and stressed they were concerned the profession is being ‘eroded’.

Also at the NHS ConfedExpo, Mr Burton urged hospital chief nurses to spend time out with their community colleagues to help improve understanding of the sector and its demands.

He also reiterated the need for increased placement opportunities within community settings for nursing students, as the government looks to shift more care out of hospitals.