Health · 20 July 2026

Younger midwives leaving NHS in England at higher rate due to burnout

Pexels / Speak Media Uganda

More midwives under 35 are quitting the NHS in England because of burnout, worsening staffing issues in maternity units. In 2025-26, departures by midwives aged 34 or under totalled 1,669, accounting for over half of all resignations. Midwife departures rose 59% since 2014-15, meaning three-quarters of midwives considered leaving last year.

By BriefTea Editorial · 20 July 2026 at 11:22

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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