The guide, Delivering better working lives together, says that much needs to be done to improve the recruitment and retention rates of NHSmidwives, and that anecdotal evidence suggests barriers are being placed in the way of those wishing to enter and stay in the profession. These include poor or inadequate childcare facilities and a reluctance to allow midwives to reduce their hours or employ newly-qualified or returning midwives on a part-time basis.
The guide says, 'The inability of midwives to balance work and home life has contributed significantly to the sharp fall in midwifery numbers. A significant number of midwives have left the service because of the lack of flexible working and family-friendly policies.'
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