Responding to a decision today (Thursday) by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) not to create a specific nursing student part of the temporary register, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“We’re glad it’s not been necessary for the NMC to open the temporary register to students.

“Thousands of students have stepped forward to assist during this crisis and we’re very proud of them. Fortunately though, the demand hasn’t reached the levels anticipated.

“The priority throughout the pandemic has been to keep student nurses and midwives as safe as possible. It’s also been to minimise disruption to their education.

“It’s important we continue to ensure they’re supported as much as possible. The government can show it’s grateful by writing off their student fees.”