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Scrapping NHS bursaries for courses like nursing and midwifery will cause a “workforce crisis”, claims healthcare union Unite. The warning comes as MPs prepare to debate government plans to
replace bursaries with loans from August next year, which could see many student nurses leaving university with debts of more than £50,000. > “The government need to listen to widespread
concerns and ditch > this policy now” > > Colenzo Jarret-Thorpe A cross-party motion to scrap the proposal will be discussed in an Opposition Day Debate in parliament this
afternoon. The motion – signed by more than 130 MPs – calls on the government to drop the plans, which were announced in the autumn, and instead “consult on how it can best fund and support
the future healthcare workforce”. The government has predicted the move from bursaries to loans will lead to 10,000 more places on courses, as universities are freed from public funding
restraints. But Unite argues that replacing bursaries with loans will put people off entering nursing, midwifery and other healthcare professions like pharmacy and speech and language
therapy. “Abolishing NHS student bursaries will stoke up a future NHS workforce crisis,” said Unite national officer for health Colenzo Jarret-Thorpe. “The prospects of soaring debt will
deter many to a pursue a career in public service and be a barrier for mature students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds entering health professions,” he claimed. “The government need
to listen to widespread concerns and ditch this policy now,” he added. The Royal College of Nursing recently urged the government to “go back to the drawing board” and rethink its plans on
student nurse funding. Nursing students and unions are planning a mass lobby of parliament on 25 May against the abolition of NHS bursaries.