Student midwives sue for maternity pay

Three student midwives began a legal battle for the right to receive maternity pay yesterday.

They are claiming they should be entitled to the same leave and salaries as part-time staff, despite the fact they are still classed as students. If successful, the case could lead to more claims from studentson vocational courses.

Clare Fletcher, from south London, Tracey Parkes, from Gosport, Hampshire, and Shelley Wilkinson, from Nottingham, were all on a three-year training course when they became pregnant.

Because the training has a strong emphasis on practical learning, all three women have already been working for the NHS, delivering babies. They receive an annual bursary of £6,382 if inside London or £5,432 if outside the capital.

The payments ceased as soon as the women took time off their courses to have their own children. They are claiming that, because their training involves working in hospitals, they should be entitled to the same maternity pay as other part-time NHS staff.

Mrs Fletcher said: "We work hard in our clinical placements and fulfil a valuable role. There are some [students] having to work until the day before they give birth. It's contrary to everything I'm expected to do as a midwife."

The case, being heard before the London Central Employment Tribunal, is funded by the Royal College of Midwives.

Dame Karlene Davis, RCM General Secretary, said: "Student midwives support many women throughout their pregnancies and are aware of the associated rights and benefits that are available to the mothers, and yet none of these apply to them."