New measures to make it easier for NHS employers in England to take on newly qualified nurses and midwives have been announced by the government.The move comes after warnings there are up to three times more graduates than vacancies in some areas of the health service.The aim is to free up trusts in England to recruit more easily by cutting red tape and simplifying regulations, including allowing them to employ staff based on what they think they might need and before vacancies formally arise.The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the move but said the test would be if students could actually find jobs. Employers said it was not clear how the new measures would be fully funded.Health officials said there were 4,000 more nursing and midwifery graduates than vacancies. This is out of a total of 24,870 who have already graduated or are due to over the next six months.New measures would also see some support worker posts be temporarily converted to midwifery roles to create new openings for graduates.The Department of Health said the changes would tackle concerns about jobs after record numbers chose to train for NHS professions during the pandemic – with fewer nurses and midwives quitting. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “It is absurd that we are training thousands of nurses and midwives every year, only to leave them without a job before their career has started. “I am sending a clear message to every newly qualified nurse and midwife. We’re here to support you from day one …
