Nursing unions have criticised the NMC's proposal to raise registration fees.
The RCM has said the NMC's decision to raise fees is 'ill-timed and ill-judged.' The rise in fees will act as a disincentive for midwives to register and remain members, which could lead to a loss of fees in the future, according to the RCM. The RCM has also argued for a reduced registration fee for one or two years for newly qualified midwives, to encourage registration.
Unison conducted a survey on the proposals, and found that 99.36 per cent of its members rejected the fee rise. Gail Adams, UNISON's head of nursing, said: 'The proposals are unfair and disproportionate. Our members are very angry and have unanimously rejected the proposals. They're also angry that the NMC appears unable to live within their current income and it's unacceptable to expect nurses and midwives to pay for this.'
The RCN has urged the NMC to explore alternate funding options instead of raising fees. Dr Peter Carter, chief executive of the RCN, said: 'It is wrong for the NMC to ignore the views and feelings of the nursing workforce. Our members have spoken and they should be listened to.'
The NMC has launched a consultation on rule changes which would allow nurses and midwives to pay fees in instalments.