Pay The Placement

Nursing students keep the NHS running, but they’re doing it for free.

Every day, they deliver frontline care in hospitals, clinics and communities. They do the same vital work as paid staff, while racking up thousands of unpaid hours and paying for travel, parking and meals - all while still covering tuition fees. It’s not fair. It’s not sustainable. And it’s pushing future nurses to the brink.

Placements are work, and work deserves pay.

The Problem

Most nursing students aren’t living the “typical” student life.

They are mature learners, parents and career changers, mostly women, juggling full-time placements, studies and family life.

They give over 2,300 hours of real patient care during their degree – the same work as paid NHS staff, but for £0 an hour.

No pay. No recognition. No time.

Placements take over their lives. Many cannot take on paid work or get involved in the things that make university more than just study: clubs, sports, societies, volunteering or even time to rest.

It is not just unfair. It is isolating. It is unsustainable.

The Numbers That Say It All

50% of healthcare students consider dropping out due to financial strain
£30–£70 a week average travel cost for placements
Over 60,000 student nurses help keep the NHS running, unpaid
At Essex, HSC students make up just 6% of event attendees and 3% of sports members

Scenario	Hourly Rate	Total (for 2,300 hours)	Context
UK average (all sectors)	£18.94/hr	£43,562	National average pay (for comparison)
Realistic healthcare rate	£13/hr	£29,900	Typical NHS support band rate
Minimum wage (21+ from Apr 2025)	£11.44/hr	£26,312	Legal minimum — still higher than £0
Actual placement pay	£0/hr	£0	Current reality for nursing students

Thousands of hours. Essential work. Zero pay.

This is not just a funding issue – it is a fairness issue.

What we’re fighting for

1. Paid Placements

We’re pushing for all nursing and healthcare students to be paid for their placements. Because real work deserves real pay, simple as that.

2. National Change

We’re backing the Royal College of Nursing’s call for a full review of healthcare student funding. The system’s broken and it’s time the Government fixed it.

3. Local Action

We’re making sure Essex healthcare students get the support they need right now. From tackling travel costs to boosting local discounts.

What nursing students say

“Nursing students are not just learners — they’re active contributors to patient care and NHS services. Our commitment to the profession is clear. Now it’s time for the system to commit to us.”

“Placements are meant to be a learning experience, but too often they feel like a financial burden. We give so much to patient care, yet we’re left struggling to cover the basics.”