UNIONS blamed Labour’s “hostile” immigration reforms yesterday for a near 50 per cent drop in international recruitment for nursing and midwifery.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has revealed a dramatic fall in internationally educated nurses and midwives joining its register, which allows them to work in Britain. 

The regulator warned the “high-growth era of international recruitment appears to be ending” as black, Asian or minority ethnic nurses and midwives are being deterred by experiences of racism. 

Labour plans to increase the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years, bring in stricter English language requirements for work visas and further restrict the bringing of dependants to Britain.

Unison national nursing officer Louie Horne said the figures “a huge cause for concern” as “nowhere near enough” domestic nurses are being trained to plug NHS workforce shortages.

“This exposes the damage being inflicted by the government’s unfair and ill-conceived immigration changes,” he added. 

“It’s clear an urgent rethink on these policies is needed.

“With the NHS workforce more diverse than ever, politicians of all parties must help tackle racism in society, not inflame it.”

Royal College of Nursing chief nursing officer Lynn Woolsey said: “International recruitment is collapsing, even before further hostile immigration policies come in, while the number of domestic joiners continues to stall.

“We now need to see a serious, detailed and fully funded plan to grow the domestic workforce and an end to the pursuit of hostile immigration policies.”

Royal College of Midwives chief executive Gill Walton said: “The collapse in international recruitment adds further strain to an already fragile system.”

The NMC revealed the number of international workers joining its register from April 1 to September 30 fell to 6,321 – 49.6 per cent less than last year.

Only 31.1 per cent of new joiners were from overseas during this period — more usually the proportion would be around 50 per cent, it said.

The King’s Fund director of leadership and organisational development Suzie Bailey said: “Recent proposals to cut immigration, tighten visa rules, and even deport those living here legally risk deepening workforce shortages and putting patient safety at risk.

“These changes don’t just create workforce gaps, they can create fear and run the risk of talented and dedicated staff being made to feel unwelcome.”