Midwives: Graduate Guarantee

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Tuesday 21st April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

That is the very reason why we have brought in this guarantee, because it provides an immediate route into employment for those who are newly qualified. A number of things about that are important, including reducing the risk of graduates leaving the profession because they cannot find jobs. The reason why there are an additional 850 time-limited or temporary roles is to get people in under existing budgets but also to get staff to enter the workforce where there are not immediately permanent vacancies. It is a strong way to address the point that the noble Baroness raises.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, as we have heard from other noble Lords, we have two situations. One is that 31% of newly qualified midwives have been unable to secure posts; the other is that we have well-documented shortages. The Minister talked about the graduate guarantee, but are there any other initiatives available to midwives and nurses who may wish to take up these jobs? Other noble Lords have talked about the number of hours that midwives have to work. How do we make sure that we retain existing midwives so that some are not leaving by one door as others are coming in by another?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I was about to answer the noble Lord’s first question by talking about retention and then he helpfully raised retention. Retention rates for existing midwives are improving, as is the number of midwives. That includes a mentoring scheme, strengthening advice and support on pensions, flexible retirement options, and publication of menopause policies and guidance to support midwives to stay in work. We also have unit-based retention leads to focus on this and provide support to midwives. I think that is a really important initiative.