The case for adding physiotherapy to the 'shortage occupation' list

Key points include:

1. Physiotherapy is a skilled profession
2. There is a shortage of physiotherapists and demand is growing
3. Shortages are unlikely to be met from domestic supply alone
4. There is political support for including physiotherapy on the list

The rationale for including the profession on the list is:

1. Points based migration - physiotherapists and therapy support workers should be added if the list it is to continue as a feature of the points based immigration system. 
2. Qualifying for work visas - without inclusion in the list physios will not qualify for starting grade NHS clinicians in a future new points based system. This will create significant problems in meeting the growing demand for physiotherapy.