Rising exodus of young midwives from NHS England
More than 1,600 midwives aged 34 or under left the NHS in England during 2025-26, accounting for 57% of all midwife resignations that year, according to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats. The figure represents a 59% increase from 2014-15, when 1,051 young midwives quit.
Burnout and staffing pressures drive departures
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) described the trend as a “staffing emergency,” with three-quarters of midwives considering leaving the profession in the past year due to concerns over staffing levels and patient safety. Hannah Leonard, RCM deputy chief midwife, said the loss of young midwives is “deeply worrying” and reflects burnout caused by chronic understaffing, missed breaks, and unpaid hours.
Student midwife dropout rates add to crisis
Almost one in four midwifery students (24%) drop out before completing their degree, with 840 of 3,565 starters in 2021 failing to graduate in 2024. The Liberal Democrats’ health spokesperson Helen Morgan called the situation an “alarming crisis,” warning that mothers are left giving birth on understaffed and unsafe wards.
Government response and workforce numbers
The Department of Health and Social Care highlighted that a record 25,500 full-time-equivalent midwives are now working in the NHS, 2,000 more than in July 2024. A spokesperson said the government has introduced new staff standards, flexible working, and above-inflation pay rises, along with a £10m fund to support 1,000 additional midwifery roles. However, critics argue that retention issues remain unresolved.
