Overview

• The graduate guarantee is now in effect across NHS trusts in England, allowing pre-emptive hiring of newly qualified nurses and midwives based on projected staffing needs.
• An online support hub has launched to offer graduates application guidance and curated job listings across NHS, social care and private sectors.
• The Department of Health has earmarked £8 million to temporarily convert vacant maternity support worker roles into Band 5 midwifery positions to boost frontline teams.
• Pandemic-era surges in nursing and midwifery training have left up to three times more graduates than traditional vacancies in some areas, driving the recruitment reform.
• The Royal College of Nursing reports 91% of members deem this year’s 3.6% pay rise insufficient and is preparing for an industrial action ballot if further pay or contract reforms are not agreed.