WAGES AND GRANTS FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES

Early day motion 1015, tabled 25 July 2000 by Ashok Kumar (Labour). Signed by 60 members.

That this House notes recent activity by Unison's Northern Region which culminated in the mass gathering of nurses at the Angel of the North to campaign for a fairer deal for student nurses and midwives; recognises that student nurses and midwives are essential to the effective operation of the NHS; believes that current drop-out rates for student nurses and midwives should be addressed through a new deal for the caring professions and professionals; believes that the NHS should develop a caring family-friendly environment in which such professionals can study and learn; calls for the vocational training of health professionals to be remunerated through student income, rather than a reliance on bursaries and grants; and urges the Government to consider a change in status for such key workers whilst they train when planning NHS policy and funding for the mid to long term.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 6, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.