Nearly 400 nursing and midwifery graduates in Wales have not secured positions within the National Health Service (NHS) following the conclusion of the initial job matching process. This situation arises as improved staff recruitment and retention have led to fewer vacancies than initially projected, according to Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), the organization responsible for workforce development and training.
While 703 graduates were successfully matched to entry-level band 5 roles, 383 individuals in nursing, midwifery, and operating department practitioner (ODP) fields remain without employment. Both nursing and midwifery unions have voiced criticism over the scarcity of available positions, highlighting the increasing demand in hospitals that are reportedly struggling with staffing shortages.
The university places for these graduates were initially funded based on projected future workforce needs. However, circumstances have shifted over the past four years, influenced by rising costs for health boards and trusts. In some areas, the reduced number of job openings is also attributed to fewer existing staff members leaving the profession, which has resulted in fewer vacancies being created. For example, Cwm Taf Morgannwg has reported a near halving of staff turnover in recent years.