Commenting on the government’s announcement that there are to be more jobs for newly qualified nurses and midwives, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said:
“Guaranteeing jobs would recognise the commitment students put in before becoming part of the expanding workforce the NHS needs. Decisive action is needed to stop years of training going to waste.
“Nursing and midwifery graduates deserve a clear path into NHS jobs. But creating more vacancies for them by removing posts for support workers won’t address the overall staffing gaps hampering quality care. Reducing opportunities for people to come into clinical support roles is counter-productive too.
“Ministers must also deal with a similar lack of opportunities for new graduates in occupational therapy, as well as paramedics and other healthcare professions. These are just as vital to patient care.
“Many of these problems have been caused by blanket recruitment freezes. Trusts haven’t been able to take on staff as they attempt to comply with ministers’ orders to cut budget deficits built up through years of underfunding. Trusts need proper backing if this pledge is to work.
“It’s encouraging to see that ministers appreciate how crucial newly qualified staff are to the future of the NHS and care services. But the government’s forthcoming 10-year workforce plan must set out a more sustainable approach to planning across the higher education, health and care systems.”
