Health students’ fee cut urged

Four unions have called on the health secretary to recognise the significant contribution made by – and disruption to the lives of – nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare students during the current crisis by abolishing tuition fees, and reimbursing those already paid.

The Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Nursing, public services union UNISON and the National Union of Students all urged Matt Hancock to “acknowledge students’ selfless service, not only with words, but in a tangible and quantifiable way”.

They want him to:

• reimburse tuition fees or forgive current debt for all current nursing, midwifery, and allied healthcare students;

• abolish student-funded tuition fees for those healthcare students starting in 2020-21 and beyond, to recognise that they will be supporting vital public services; and

• introduce universal, living maintenance grants that reflect actual student need.