‘Jeremy Hunt’s comments on flexible working must translate into action says RCM’
By RCM on 30 November 2016 NHS Midwives Staffing Levels Midwife Shortage Flexible Working Secretary of State for Health
Jeremy Hunt today addressing the NHS Provider’s annual conference highlighted flexible working, e-rostering, motivation, morale and leadership in his opening speech to delegates.
In his key note speech the Secretary of State for Health said; ‘If we are to recruit and then retain a motivated workforce in the future, we need to ensure that the NHS keeps pace with the times and recognises the need for flexible working that allows better work-life balance. In the most recent staff survey only half of all NHS staff was satisfied with the opportunities available for flexible working.
Commenting Jon Skewes, Director for policy, employment relations and communication at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says; “The RCM welcomes comments made by Jeremy Hunt today, particularly his acknowledgment of the need for flexible working for NHS staff. We hope that these remarks will be translated into swift action and better, more flexible working conditions not only for midwives, but for all NHS staff.
Only last month the RCM published its latest report on ‘Why Midwives Leave’. The report revealed a midwifery profession on the verge of exodus due to excessive work demands and poor staffing levels. It also revealed that a significant number of midwives are leaving midwifery because they are denied the right to work flexibly.
“Over 99% of midwives are women and the vast majority are parents trying to balance working 12 hour shifts in a 24/7 service with childcare. This can make childcare very difficult and expensive which is why access to flexible working is so important. It is such a false economy for the NHS to deny midwives flexible working because the NHS will end up losing their skills and experience altogether. Particularly because in England alone we remain 3,500 midwives short. I urge the Government to look carefully at the recommendations laid out in the RCM leavers report.”
“We are again calling on employers and Government to take action to keep midwives in midwifery. In particular we are asking employers to sign up to the RCM’s Caring for You Charter to try and improve midwives health, safety and wellbeing at work. The Caring for You Charter asks organisations to work locally with the RCM to take action on improving the working environment, ensuring that midwives get their breaks, have access to flexible working so they can balance work and family life and create a positive workplace culture.”
*RCM related press releases:
NHS midwife agency spend could solve midwife shortage says RCM in new report
Budget Cuts, Service Cuts, Staffing Shortages = Maternity Services in 2016
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.or#g.uk/.
For more information on the Caring for You campaign: visit: https://www.rcm.org.uk/caring-for-you-campaign
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.or#g.uk/.