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Almost 400 nursing and midwifery graduates in Wales are currently without NHS positions following the initial stage of job matching. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), the body responsible for workforce development and training, explained that better recruitment and retention efforts have led to fewer vacancies than originally forecasted. While 703 graduates were placed into entry-level band 5 roles, 383 comprising nurses, midwives, and operating department practitioners (ODPs) remain unmatched.
The shortfall in available roles has drawn criticism from nursing and midwifery unions, especially since hospitals face rising patient demand alongside staffing pressures. The number of training spots had been planned based on workforce needs projected four years ago, but since then, increased costs and improved staff retention—such as a notable drop in turnover at Cwm Taf Morgannwg—have altered the employment landscape. Consequently, fewer openings have emerged than was anticipated when universities admitted these students.
Among those still without jobs, the majority are nurses, with around 70 midwives and 7 ODPs also affected. HEIW has announced a further allocation round aiming to fill 131 nursing roles by the end of July, which is expected to reduce the number of unmatched graduates. The organization attributed the shortage of available posts to a combination of improved workforce retention, cost-of-living pressures, and tighter financial limits faced by health boards. Alex Howells, HEIW’s chief executive, acknowledged the disappointment experienced by graduates and emphasized ongoing partnership efforts to enhance workforce planning and future opportunities.
The Royal College of Nursing Wales and the Royal College of Midwives Cymru have urged the Welsh government to intervene, highlighting the disconnect between the lack of employment for new graduates and persistent staff shortages. Nicola Williams, executive director of nursing at the Royal College of Nursing Wales, called for urgent action, pointing out that despite heavy spending on temporary staff, newly qualified nurses remain unable to secure jobs. Julie Richards from the Royal College of Midwives Cymru expressed frustration that ready-to-work midwives are left without roles while maternity services continue to face workforce crises. This situation follows a recent maternity care assessment that underscored urgent staffing needs aligned with increasing care complexity. In response, the Welsh health minister convened a summit aimed at finding immediate solutions and preventing similar situations in the future, while HEIW was tasked with coordinating national support to keep graduates connected to emerging job opportunities
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