Scrapping bursaries will cause ‘crisis’ for NHS, Unite warns

Plans to scrap NHS bursaries and replace them with loans will cause a workforce ‘crisis’ in the health service, Unite has warned.

The plans will mean students training on courses including nursing, speech and language therapy and midwifery will now have to take out loans to cover their course fees and living costs, instead of non-repayable bursaries which are currently offered.

Colenzo Jarret-Thorpe, Unite national officer for health, has described the move as a ‘cynical cost cutting exercise’ that will deter many potential applicants, as they will be left with more than £50,000 of debt following a three year degree. She also warns that this will leave the NHS even more reliant on agency staff.

She said: “Abolishing NHS student bursaries will stoke up a future NHS workforce crisis as the prospects of soaring debt will deter many to pursue a career in public service and be a barrier for mature students and those from disadvantage backgrounds entering health professions. The government needs to listen to widespread concerns and ditch this policy now. Unite members will be lobbying parliament on 25 May with health students and our sister unions.”