A coalition of 18 health unions, including the RCM, has launched a new initiative urging NHS employers to make flexible working the norm.
The Get Ahead on Flex pledge calls on employers to speed up progress on flexible working arrangements, including team-rostering and ‘any hours’ contracts.
Employers who sign up commit to advertising flexible options in every job posting, setting targets for approving requests, publishing data on how requests are handled and training managers to champion flexibility.
While all NHS workers currently have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, unions say accessing that flexibility in practice is often a struggle – particularly for staff with childcare or caring responsibilities.
Some staff are being forced to accept less favourable contracts, or bank shifts which are lower paid, in return for being granted flexible working. The inconsistent approach taken by employers has created a postcode lottery that is costing the NHS experienced, skilled staff it cannot afford to lose.
Tens of thousands of NHS workers have already left the health service due to poor work-life balance and midwifery cannot afford to keep losing skilled staff in this way.
For the RCM, this is not only a workplace issue — it is a safe staffing issue.
Emma Jenkinson, RCM Director for Employment Relations, said: “Midwives and maternity support workers are committed to providing the best possible care for women and families but we can’t retain these committed staff if they are unable to balance work with the rest of their lives.
“Maternity services are already under significant pressure and retaining experienced midwives and maternity support workers depends on employers taking flexible working seriously. Flexible working is not a nice-to-have. It is fundamental to retaining the skilled workforce that safe maternity services depend on.”
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and Milton Keynes University Hospital are among the first to have signed the pledge.
A new standard on flexible working is also expected for NHS employers in England in April, as part of the government’s 10-year workforce plan, with tougher statutory requirements for all employers due in 2027.
The RCM encourages members to share this with their employers and to raise flexible working through their local RCM reps and in conversations with their managers.
