Responding to the Royal College of Midwives members experience survey, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson, said:

"This survey highlights worrying gaps across midwifery teams.

"Persistent staff shortages have normalised excessive workloads and stress at work across the NHS, which has led to the loss of far too many of our highly valued staff.

"This is a particular concern given the recent Commons select committee's clear identification of the need to grow the NHS workforce in this area as a means of improving patient safety.

"What is needed is a sustained, reliable and strategic approach to workforce planning in the NHS.

"The upcoming spending review is an opportunity to address the huge workforce challenges the health and care workforce is facing. A fully costed and funded multi-year workforce plan must sit alongside significant ongoing investment in staff training and development."