My trust is employing qualified nurses in band 2 and 3 roles due to a lack of nursing vacancies

Throwaway account so as not to dox myself.

This week I have worked alongside some nurses (with previous extensive nursing experience) who are being employed by my trust in a band 3 HCA role due to a lack of nursing vacancies within the trust. They have NMC pins. The trust has told them when the funding is available they can re-apply for band 5 nursing roles. Some are even taking jobs in the catering department. Is this really what it is coming to?

Was also speaking to some third year nursing students who stated there aren’t any jobs available at their local trusts to apply for. The University’s advice is to relocate to find work.

Is this just trust specific or reflective of a wider NHS problem at the moment? Where are the jobs?