Rising numbers of younger midwives quitting NHS in England, data shows
Data reveals that an increasing number of midwives under 35 are leaving the NHS in England due to burnout, worsening the already strained staffing situation in maternity units.
According to the latest data obtained by the Liberal Democrats, 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the NHS in England during 2025-26. This is 59% higher than the 1,051 who left in 2014-15, raising concerns about the quality and safety of care for mothers and babies.
Of the young leavers, 205 were under 25, 655 were aged 25-29, and 809 were aged 30-34. In total, 2,949 midwives of all ages resigned, meaning young midwives accounted for more than half (57%) of all departures.
Additionally, nearly one in four (24%) midwifery students drop out before completing their three-year degree. Of the 3,565 students who started in 2021, only 2,725 graduated in 2024 – 840 students did not finish.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) describes this as a "staffing emergency" in maternity care. An RCM survey found that three-quarters of midwives have considered leaving the profession in the last year, mainly due to concerns over staffing levels and patient safety.
Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrats' health spokesperson, said: "These statistics reveal an alarming crisis in maternity, with far too many midwives burning out early in their career and in their training. Patients are paying the price, and mothers are left with no alternative but to give birth on understaffed and unsafe wards."
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) responded that there is a record number of midwives in the NHS – 25,500 full-time equivalents, 2,000 more than when the government took office in July 2024. The department highlighted new staff standards to improve well-being and support.
