Invest in our future nurses: end the graduate nursing job shortage

Invest in our future nurses: end the graduate nursing job shortage — 21 signatures. Status: rejected.

Petition background

We want the UK Government to increase NHS funding for permanent, entry-level Band 5 nursing posts in England, ensure newly qualified nurses can access vacancies without unnecessary experience requirements, and fund supported preceptorship programmes to help graduates enter the nursing workforce.

Additional details

Despite NHS nursing shortages, newly qualified nurses are struggling to secure employment. In August 2026, the Royal College of Nursing found that only 82 of 317 Band 5 vacancies examined in England (26%) were full-time, permanent positions open to applicants without professional experience. After three years of training and clinical placements, graduates face unemployment, financial uncertainty and limited access to preceptorship. The NHS risks losing skilled nurses it has invested in training.

View this petition on the official UK Parliament website

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