The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has warned that midwives and maternity support workers face another real-terms pay cut next year, after new figures showed inflation rising well above the Government’s planned pay rise for NHS staff. 

Emma Jenkinson, Director for Employment Relations at the RCM, said: 

“Just days after the Government set out an affordability figure of 2.4% for next year’s NHS pay, inflation has jumped to 3.5%. We’ve already warned that funding pay at that level would mean another real-terms pay cut for midwives and maternity support workers – an insult to a workforce that keeps maternity services running day in, day out. 

“The Health Secretary says improving maternity services is a priority. But with prices rising at their fastest rate in almost a year, the Government’s proposals fall far short. Until midwives and MSWs are paid fairly, services will struggle to recruit and keep the staff needed to keep women and babies safe. 

“The Government must stop treating midwives as second-class NHS staff and come back to the table with the funding to back up its promises.”