Commenting on Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data showing the rate of new joiners to its register has slowed in the past year, UNISON national nursing officer Stuart Tuckwood said:
“The continuing growth and diversity in registered professionals is good to see.
“But a sharp fall in the number of international joiners is a concern, particularly as the government is still far from training enough nurses and midwives within the UK.
“Changes to immigration policy and inadequate NHS pay rises are making it harder to attract new recruits and keep hold of experienced overseas nurses.
“That threatens already-precarious staffing levels and adds even more pressure to the overstretched workforce.
“The government has to make the NHS a place where health professionals want to stay and thrive.”
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.
UNISON media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
