Student midwives & nurses: fund childcare & stop treating loans as income for UC
Support student nurses and midwives by allowing them to claim 30 hours free childcare and excluding student loans from Universal Credit (UC). We believe current support isn't enough to live, travel to and park at full-time placements, or care for dependents. Its forcing many to leave their courses.
Signatures
164
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 164/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 164/100,000
- 09 JAN 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Kate Clayton
Background
I urge the government to take action to keep student midwives and nurses on their courses. The Nursing and Midwifery Council reports that rising numbers of students are leaving because they cannot afford to continue. Many must complete demanding full time clinical placements, study, and manage living costs without enough support. Improving financial assistance could help retain future healthcare professionals and protect patient care.