Minimum wage rise highlights need for NHS pay reform, says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has warned that increases to the National Minimum Wage announced in last week’s Budget underline the urgent need to reform NHS pay bands. Last week’s Budget announced that from April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers aged over 21 will rise to £12.71 an hour. While the RCM […]
Royal College of Midwives warns slowdown in midwifery workforce growth risks increasing pressure on maternity services
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has expressed concerns following new figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) showing a significant slowdown in growth of the UK’s nursing and midwifery register, driven by a sharp fall in international recruitment and an increase in staff leaving the profession. The latest NMC data, released today (Friday […]
RCM calls for stronger regulation of infant formula following CMA report
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the Government’s response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) report on infant formula – but warns that the proposed reforms may not go far enough to protect families struggling with the rising cost of formula milk. The Government announced yesterday (Wednesday 3 December) further work to […]
RCM to help shape Government’s Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the Government’s invitation to help shape the new Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce in England. The taskforce, which will be chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, will turn the national maternity investigation’s recommendations into a national action plan. Following the RCM’s […]
Tribute to Professor Tim Draycott
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Professor Tim Draycott, former Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Professor Draycott was a passionate advocate for safer maternity care and a valued friend to the midwifery community. His pioneering work has had a profound and […]
Victory for MSWs in Wales as fairer pay deal delivers long-overdue recognition
On Maternity Support Workers Day, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru is celebrating a long-awaited deal which will bring pay rises for maternity support workers (MSWs) in Wales. Following negotiations through the Welsh Partnership Forum, MSWs and other health care support workers in Wales will now be re-banded from Agenda for Change Band 2 […]
Failure of oversight means NMC is letting down midwifery educators and students and not fulfilling its duty to protect the public, says RCM
Following a Sunday Times investigation into midwifery education published today, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has reiterated its calls to invest more in the education of the next generation of midwives and those working in the university sector. The RCM said the Sunday Times’ findings reflect long-standing issues it has raised repeatedly about inadequate […]
The RCM says no time to waste as Scottish Government launches national review into maternity services
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said there is no time to waste, following the Scottish Government’s announcement of a new national review into maternity care. The RCM has previously expressed concern that reviews and investigations risk halting progress and improvement. The College said any such review must lead to urgent action as any […]
Books on prescription: How reading can support health and wellbeing
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Aspiring Band 7’s leadership course
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