The Royal College of Midwives Cymru has expressed disbelief that 63 newly qualified midwives in Wales remain without NHS jobs, despite ongoing concerns about staffing shortages across maternity services.
The issue first emerged in June when the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) recruitment streamlining process resulted in 68 newly qualified midwives being left without positions due to a lack of available vacancies.
In an update provided to final-year students on 25 August, HEIW confirmed that the number of unemployed graduate midwives has only fallen slightly, from 68 to 63. HEIW Chief Executive Alex Howells described the situation as "particularly challenging", warning that only a small number of additional positions are expected to become available during the autumn, leaving many graduates still without employment opportunities.
The contrast with nursing recruitment is significant. Since June, the number of nursing graduates awaiting NHS roles has fallen dramatically, from 186 to just 14.
The latest figures come amid continued concerns about staffing levels within Welsh maternity services. RCM Cymru says evidence gathered from members has highlighted ongoing workforce pressures, while national reviews have repeatedly stressed the need for sufficient staffing levels to ensure safe, high-quality maternity care.
Julie Richards, RCM Cymru Director, said:
"We are in disbelief that we still have 63 newly qualified midwives ready to work, but with no jobs to go to and with services in desperate need of staff.
"Our members are telling us about a birth centre suspended, community midwives being called in to keep services safe, specialist midwives pulled from clinical roles to cover gaps and high sickness levels linked to stress – it doesn’t add up."
The RCM has been actively lobbying for a solution since June. Efforts have included meetings with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, raising the issue in the Senedd, and engaging with HEIW, health boards, the Chief Midwifery Officer and education leaders across Wales. The organisation has also hosted support events for graduates in Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor.
RCM Cymru says it remains committed to supporting affected graduates while pressing policymakers to create employment pathways into the NHS.
Richards added:
"We’re not going to stop making the case for these newly qualified midwives. We’re pressing for answers about future vacancies and are pushing for a preceptorship route that could support graduates into the workforce and taking the case directly to Welsh Government.
"Ultimately, these midwives need jobs and maternity services in Wales need their skills. We won’t give up until we have the solution."
The organisation continues to provide support to graduates through early career resources and professional guidance, while HEIW is directing affected students towards available support services.
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