As newly-qualified midwives across the UK continue searching for their first midwifery job, the situation differs across the nations. The RCM’s Director of Midwifery, Fiona Gibb, looks at what’s happening in Wales

While newly-qualified midwives across the UK are facing a tough job market, the picture in Wales is slightly different. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s job guarantee scheme, all student midwives are offered a minimum of 22.5 hours of work on qualifying, via the streamlining process.

On the surface, this brings welcome stability. In a time of uncertainty, having a guaranteed job offer can offer reassurance. But a recent RCM Wales student survey has shown this model also presents challenges that are impacting the financial wellbeing, professional development and personal lives of many student midwives.

What the survey told us

In total, 35 final year student midwives in Wales responded to our survey. All of them have contracts to work at least 22.5 hours. But many shared that the reality of this guaranteed employment doesn’t always live up to expectations. Financial hardship was a central theme, with mature students, parents and carers in particular facing additional pressures.

Most don’t have the hours they want

More than half of our survey respondents told us they don’t have the hours they need. Some have tried to take on second jobs, but shift patterns and childcare demands often make this impossible.

Limited clinical experience

Some said the reduced hours could make it harder to consolidate their clinical learning, leaving them feeling under-confident heading into qualification.

Lack of transparency early on

A recurring theme was that the full picture, especially around hours, pay, and how the job guarantee works wasn’t always made clear at the start. This has left some students feeling unprepared and frustrated.

“I’ve had to take the full student loan because childcare is so expensive. Now I’m in about £20,000 more debt just because I had to pay for my kid’s nursery.”

“They market these bursaries like they’ll cover everything — but they don’t. Especially not for mature students or parents.”

“My childcare bill was nearly £1,000 a month when I was working 5 days a week on community.”

Even with access to the NHS bursary and student loans, many said they simply couldn’t stretch their income to cover rising costs,  especially in areas like housing, utilities and childcare. Now employed, they have to pay back students loans on top of these costs meaning very little take home pay for food, transport or other costs.

So, what needs to change?

Based on what we’ve heard from student members in Wales, the RCM believes a number of key actions are needed:

• Review and raise financial support

The funding available through bursaries and loans simply doesn’t reflect the true cost of living, particularly for those with caring responsibilities.

• Greater clarity from the start

Students deserve transparent, realistic information about pay, hours and the job guarantee scheme before they begin the course.

• More flexible employment options

Part-time guaranteed hours can work well for some, but others need full-time hours for both financial and clinical reasons. A ‘one-size-fits-all’ model doesn’t meet all needs.

• Better support with childcare

Current systems often leave families facing huge out-of-pocket costs. This needs urgent attention from policymakers.

• Support for skill development

Students need opportunities to consolidate their practice, build confidence, and prepare for qualification – which can be difficult on limited hours.

• Recognising student voice

With so many student midwives ready to engage and advocate for change, universities and employers should create space for that energy to be channelled positively.

The RCM will continue raising these concerns at every level – with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), with Health Boards, and with Welsh Government. We’re pressing for a more flexible and transparent approach to student employment, as well as greater investment in supporting midwifery students from all backgrounds.

We know the passion, professionalism and resilience of student midwives in Wales. But we also know that passion alone is not enough. Students need the right conditions, fair funding, and proper support to thrive.