The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) annual data report shows that there has been an increase in the number of midwives leaving the register.

Compared to March 2021, the number of midwives leaving the register increased by approximately 10 per cent in March 2022. The number of dual registrants (nurse and midwife) leaving the register increased by 42 per cent during the same period.

However, midwives registering onto the NMC register increased from 39,070 to 40,165 (approximately 3 per cent). Dual registrants declined by around 3 per cent during the same period.

The number of midwives joining the register for the first time increased slightly from 2,211 in 2021 to 2,268 in 2022 (2 per cent).

Overall, 27,133 nurses and midwives left the NMC register in 2021-2022, a 13% increase compared to the previous year.

A separate report was conducted on why nurses and midwives were leaving the register which cited the main reasons as being too much pressure, poor work culture, with almost a third of respondents saying the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their decision to leave.

Chief Executive and Registrar at the NMC, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: “Our register is at the highest level ever. This is good news considering all the pressures of the last two years. But a closer look at our data reveals some warning signs.

“The total number of people leaving the register has risen, after a steady and welcome fall over the previous four years. Those who shared troubling stories about the pressure they’ve had to bear during the pandemic. A focus on retention as well as attracting new recruits needs to be part of a sustainable workforce plan to meet rising demands for health and care services.”

The NMC annual data report shows the number of people registered and are eligible to practise, therefore the data includes those who may not be currently working.

Around 758,000 nurses and midwives in the UK are on the NMC register.

The full report can be found here.