tell us about your working week
We’re gathering a snapshot of working hours, breaks and safe staffing across maternity services during the week of 1-7 June 2026. Complete our short survey and help us build the evidence needed to influence government, employers and health leaders. Your feedback on staffing, breaks and working hours will help us highlight pressures facing maternity services and push for change.
Join the Royal College of Midwives
Safe staffing = safe care
Urgent action is needed to address chronic staffing shortages in maternity services that are putting women, babies and staff at risk. Too many midwives, maternity support workers and students are facing extreme pressures as a daily reality.
Our members tell us they are exhausted, overstretched and working in unsustainable conditions. 45% of midwives report burnout often or always, and only 16% feel there are enough staff to do their job properly.
News & events
Midwives: improving health, in pregnancy and beyond
Midwives support around 635,000 births each year in the UK. They are the lead professionals for most pregnancies and births providing expert care that keeps women and babies safe through pregnancy, birth and early weeks of life and work closely with other health professionals when specialist care is needed.
