THE government has praised student nurses for working on the front line during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

But they stopped short of backing calls for tuition fees they build up during this period to be scrapped.

Local Democracy Reporter for Bradford Chris Young was one of the reporters asking questions to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick questions at the Downing Street briefing this afternoon.

Mr Jenrick was asked about the number of student nurses who have stepped up to work on the front lines of the NHS since the pandemic began.

Several years ago the Government scrapped bursaries for student nurses. Shortly after there was a U turn on this decision – but that came too late for one cohort – who are currently in their final year.

It is these students who are working on the NHS front lines, including in Bradford’s hospitals, putting their lives at risk.

Mr Young asked Mr Jenrick whether he felt it was fair that these students were having to take out loans and effectively pay to work on the front lines, and whether the government would support calls to scrap these fees for their final year.

He replied to say these students would still earn a salary, and be eligible for pensions. Student loans would still be available.

He said: “We’re very grateful for nursing and midwifery students who have chosen to go onto the front line and help in our hospitals and care homes at this time.

“Those nurses and midwives that have opted in will receive the salary and pension appropriate to their level, and I’m also told that the Student Loan Company have confirmed that student loans will continue regardless of whether the individual is learning or whether as in this case they’ve chosen to opt in and help us in the NHS but we’re all massively grateful for those people for everything they’re doing on the front line.”

Dr. Nikita Kanani said: “We’ve seen an incredible number of students not just coming to work at a really challenging time but a huge number of staff coming back, people who’ve retired or left the NHS thinking they want to come back and work with us and support our patients.

“I’m incredibly grateful to them.”