Commenting on Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data that shows more people are leaving its professional register this year than at the same time last year, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said today (Wednesday):
“Pay and staffing are at the heart of the problems affecting the NHS. Nurses and midwives are leaving for jobs elsewhere because they can’t afford their bills or to feed their families.
“Overseas workers will always be valued in the NHS. But relying on international recruitment is no substitute for the urgent retention plan needed for UK health professionals.
“The government must put NHS pay right to stop staff going and improve care for patients.”
Notes to editors: – UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
