Are there jobs in midwifery in the UK?

I've heard conflicting views on this, apparently there is a shortage BUT because of NHS cut backs there are still hardly any jobs. I am thinking about training but want to be able to get a job afterwards! preferably without moving abroad!

Hi, there are alot less jobs in the NHS than normal, but they are out there. I qualified as a Nurse last year, and despite being told there would not be enough jobs for everyone in our cohort most of us had jobs to go to when qualified.

Also, bear in mind that if you apply for training you may not get a place this year now anyway. So, you are looking at a minimum of 3/4 years before you qualify. By this time the NHS' financial state may have improved. Particulary given the recent news reports about the effect the staff shortages are having on patients.

If you are looking at starting training then it might be worth applying for a job as a midwifery assistant now. That way you would be able to apply for a secondment to do your training. Not only would this give you the advantage of not having to rely on a bursary / student loans during your training. You would also have the security of knowing that you will have a job of some kind to go to when you qualify. Also, in my experience the seconded students generally got jobs quicker than self funding students anyway.

Here are some links that you may find useful:

http://www.rcm.org.uk/

http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

http://www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/snm...

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/policyandguidanc...

http://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com...

Best of luck, Mel.