A number of newly qualified midwives have been left without jobs.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has raised concerns after midwifery graduates in Wales, including those across Gwent, were told they had not secured NHS roles through the Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) streamlining process - despite ongoing workforce shortages and mounting pressure on maternity services.
Julie Richards, RCM Cymru director, said: "It leaves us questioning how many newly qualified midwives, who are ready and willing to work, can be left without jobs while services continue to struggle with workforce shortages.
"This is a breach of the promise to students made at the beginning of their courses, that there would be a role for them in Wales at the end of years of hard training, at huge personal cost."
In previous years, all graduate midwives were offered positions through the scheme.
The shortfall comes as national reviews of Welsh maternity services continue to highlight urgent staffing needs and the risks posed by workforce gaps.
RCM Cymru has called for dedicated government funding and full implementation of recent national recommendations.
The union says that bringing every graduate into employment is crucial not only for workforce planning, but also for the safety and quality of care.
Ms Richards said: "We risk losing the next generation of midwives as a result."
Student midwives have spoken out about their experiences during training, with one describing their three years of study and placements as feeling like "a waste," given the lack of employment opportunities on graduation.
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