CSP raises alarm over workforce pressures at TUC Congress

CSP reps put physiotherapy staffing and graduate employment firmly on the agenda at TUC Congress, the annual trade union gathering that sets priorities for action.

17 September 2026 - 12:45PM

CSP representatives and staff standing on TUC congress stage — The CSP delegation (left-right): Zoe Aspinell, Claire Sullivan, (CSP director of Employment Relations and Union Services), Becca Bambridge, Helen Fitzgerald, Emelie Anekwu, Chris Ryan, John Cowman (CSP chief executive) and Nell Bennett.

CSP members spoke at the national event, held from 13 to 16 September, and highlighted the growing contradiction facing the NHS: patient need is rising and staff are under pressure, while recruitment freezes are preventing services from employing the physiotherapists they need.

CSP reps called for the government's NHS graduate guarantee to be extended to newly qualified physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.

They also called for action to retain experienced staff, including a service-linked student loan forgiveness scheme for NHS and wider public sector workers.

Addressing the congress, Christina Ryan, chair of the National Network of Regional Stewards, said:

There is a workforce crisis in the NHS. Workloads are increasing, and physiotherapy staff report the impact on patient care and their own health and wellbeing.

'At the same time, physiotherapy graduates are struggling to find jobs. Current graduates are more likely to still be job hunting six months after qualifying than they were in 2023. Other healthcare professionals face the same issues.

'We need Investment in the NHS that focuses on prevention not treatment. Investment that moves care out of hospitals and into communities. Investment in our staff and their futures.'

The CSP will continue to press government for investment in physiotherapy jobs and action to build and retain the workforce needed to meet growing patient demand.

CSP rep and TUC General Council Young Workers chair, Nell Bennett, asked a question directly to First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh MP.

Nell asked about the government's commitment and support to apprenticeships of all levels in the NHS and wider public sector. Louise Haigh responded that the government 'absolutely see a role of apprenticeships of all levels', with the priority being apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

The CSP's dedicated support and resources for new graduates can help graduates take their next steps into the physiotherapy workforce.