Only 20 job adverts for 3,000 newly qualified physiotherapists
The professional body has urged government officials to intervene
Just 20 entry-level physiotherapy jobs are currently advertised on the NHS recruitment website for England, despite an estimated 3,000 new graduates poised to enter the workforce this year.
The stark disparity has prompted the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to warn that widespread recruitment freezes are severely impacting newly qualified physiotherapists seeking their first NHS positions.
The professional body has urged government officials to intervene, highlighting the critical bottleneck in the health service's ability to absorb new talent. Analysis by the CSP of the NHS Jobs platform revealed the paltry number of opportunities available for those finishing their studies.
Further underscoring the issue, a recent poll of 1,800 physiotherapists found that 22 per cent reported a partial pause in clinical staff recruitment within their organisations, while 11 per cent indicated a complete halt. The CSP emphasised the urgent need for action to ensure that the pipeline of new talent can be absorbed into the health service, preventing a potential waste of skilled professionals and addressing future workforce needs.
Concerns have been raised that UK-trained physiotherapists are seeking work abroad due to “how hard it is to break into the NHS”.
The professional body highlighted how 300,000 people are waiting for musculoskeletal treatment in England alone.
Newly qualified physiotherapists can help bring down this waiting list it said, as well as bring down waits for respiratory problems, neurological conditions, and provide post-surgical rehab.
The CSP has written to the Department of Health and Social Care, calling for all newly qualified clinicians to be offered an NHS role.
Ash James, director of practice and development at the CSP, said: “It is absurd that with public concern about waiting lists, hundreds of capable and committed graduates are being locked out of the NHS.
“These are professionals who could be seeing up to 15 patients a day for musculoskeletal issues, immediately easing pressure on overstretched services and reducing delays.
“If every graduate had a job, we could begin to cut waiting times now.”
Sarah-Jane Ryan, head of practice, learning and development at the School of Education, Sport and Health at the University of Brighton, said: “This year, most of my students don’t have roles lined up which is something we haven’t seen for a long time.
“Even first and second year students are now talking about working abroad, because they’re hearing how hard it is to break into the NHS.
“We’re at risk of losing a whole generation of physios at a time when we urgently need them.”
She said these students “now face the reality of being shut out of the system they were inspired to work in,” adding: “It’s not just a workforce issue – it’s a moral one.
“They’ve made sacrifices and trained for a profession they believe in.
“Placement teams have invested in them, and we know there is a rehab need.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.