Student Nurses Step forward but still discrimination

UNISON has welcomed the Scottish Executive announcement that support for student nurses who become pregnant is to be extended to Scotland.

This comes after UNISON pursued and won a court case in England and Wales. But the union is very concerned that the proposals are less good than those available to English student nurses.

Bridget Hunter, UNISON regional officer, said "We are pleased that the Scottish Executive has at last addressed the difficulties faced by student nurses who become pregnant during their training. But we are unhappy that continuing support is not automatic.

"It will have to be applied for and we have not been told what the criteria will be".

Tom Waterson, Chair of UNISON's Scottish Health Committee welcomed the inclusion of provision for those with carer responsibilities within the proposals but was disappointed that Scottish pregnant student nurses will not automatically receive bursary payments for 45 weeks as their English colleagues did.

He said, "There is no justification for Scottish student nurses to be less well treated".

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