Student nurses face an uncertain future after learning no jobs are available for them when they qualify.

Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust has sent letters to 15 of its trainees saying there are no vacancies for permanent posts when they graduate in September.

The students, who are coming to the end of a three-year course, had previously been told there would be no problems when it came to recruitment at the trust and a job would be available.

They have been offered possible positions as stand-in bank staff to provide cover for sickness and holidays but say this will not be enough for them to earn a living.

The trust is more than £10.6 million in the red this year and is trying to make £8 million worth of savings to get back on financial track.

It has not specified how many posts will be lost as a result of the savings but chief executive Stephen Cass has admitted some existing vacancies will not be filled. A series of interviews at a recruitment day planned at Worthing Hospital next Friday have been cancelled and advice will be given about working in the hospital's bank scheme instead.

One student nurse, who did not want to be named, said: "It is horrific. There are some of us who have given up other careers to train as a nurse and we have mortgages to pay and families to support.

"I have worked flat out over the last three years and was looking forward to beginning my career properly.

"I was absolutely distraught when I got the letter. It means I am going to have to find another job outside the health service to pay for my living expenses.

"A few years ago they were so desperate to find nurses the trust was recruiting from abroad and now they are not employing anyone because they can't afford it.

"I have been phoning around everywhere trying to find any available positions in the area but there is nothing out there. I just don't know what to do."

Newly-qualified staff nurses are usually paid just above £19,000 a year.

The letter to the students said: "I am sure you are aware the trust is currently going through a period of extreme financial difficulty. This has had a dramatic impact on recruitment.

"It is with great regret that we will not longer be able to offer full time employment to our qualifying students at this present time.

"We are very grateful for all your effort and hard work over the last three years and would value your acceptance of a post on our nurse bank."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "We hope our student nurses will continue to work with us as temporary workers on our nursing bank until such time when we are able to offer permanent opportunities within the Trust.

"We will review the position regularly, ensuring the student nurses are informed of vacancies as they arise.":