A series of films has been launched by a maternity services partnership, with the intention of future-proofing the profession in the face of an "ageing workforce."

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS), which created the films, anticipates a rise in retirements of "highly skilled and experienced midwives" in the region, with 40 being the average age of a midwife, and 8 per cent of the workforce now aged over 55. 

Alongside the films is a new midwifery careers website, featuring information on routes into maternity, university courses, and job opportunities across the partnership's six hospitals.

A spokesperson said: "Newly qualified midwives in the NHS earn around £30,000 a year, progressing up to £36,483 after 4 years’ experience.

"But career development opportunities mean as a team leader a midwife could earn up to £44,962 and, as a consultant midwife, up to £85,601.

"Whilst studying, financial support is available for eligible students through the NHS Learning Support Fund, which does not have to be paid back.

"This includes a training grant of £5000 per year, plus parental support payments for those with children."

The films can be viewed at midwiferycareerswyh.co.uk.