The Royal College of Midwives has responded to the Government’s announcement of a 3.3 % pay award for NHS midwives and maternity support workers.

Gill Walton, Royal College of Midwives’ Chief Executive and General Secretary said:

“The Government has let down midwives and maternity support workers yet again, after months of promises from the Health Secretary that he would invest in maternity services and keep them safe.

“Without fixing the unfair pay system, this real-terms pay cut is an insult to midwives who work 100,000 unpaid hours every week just to keep maternity services running. Our members are sick and tired of these broken promises to sort out pay and staffing and their anger is justified.

“The structural pay reform talks announced today are now the Government’s last opportunity to show they genuinely value the midwifery workforce. These negotiations must deliver meaningful change backed by real funding.

“We will continue to engage with our members throughout this process. The Government must act without delay to address the unfairness in the pay system and unsafe staffing levels that continue to put mothers and babies at risk.”