Rising numbers of younger midwives quitting NHS in England, data shows
Summary
Many young midwives in England are leaving the NHS before age 35, mainly due to burnout caused by stressful and understaffed maternity units. This increasing early quitting raises concerns about the quality and safety of care for mothers and babies.Key Facts
- In 2025-26, 1,669 midwives aged 34 or younger left the NHS in England, making up 57% of all midwife resignations.
- The number of midwives under 35 quitting has grown by 59% since 2014-15.
- About 24% of midwifery students drop out before finishing their degree.
- Midwives often work long hours with too few colleagues and miss breaks, causing burnout.
- Three-quarters of midwives have thought about leaving the profession because of concerns over staffing and patient safety.
- Reviews of maternity care in England identified staff shortages as a major safety risk.
- The NHS Department of Health highlights record numbers of midwives and efforts to improve working conditions.
- The Royal College of Midwives calls the current situation a “staffing emergency” in maternity care.
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