Physiotherapy graduates gathered at the Senedd this week, to highlight the growing gap between the number of newly qualified physios looking for work in Wales and the number of NHS jobs available.
During the event, the graduates spoke to Welsh Labour MS, Jayne Bryant, Chair of the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee, and reporters from BBC Wales, who covered the story on BBC Cymru.
Around 143 physiotherapy students are expected to have graduated in Wales this year, based on workforce planning projections made three years ago. However, the CSP has identified fewer than 50 NHS physiotherapy posts that have been or are expected to be advertised.
Calum Higgins, public affairs and policy manager for Wales at the CSP, said: 'At a time when patients are waiting too long for physiotherapy, we have newly qualified physiotherapists who are trained, ready and eager to join the workforce.
The need is there, and so is the workforce, but controls on budgets and recruitment are preventing these graduates from entering the NHS and putting their skills to use.
The shortage of jobs is creating particular concern for graduates who received the Welsh Government physiotherapy bursary, which includes a commitment to work in the profession in Wales for two years.
Calum added: 'It cannot be right for graduates to face financial uncertainty because there are simply not enough jobs available.'
Wales has invested in training this skilled workforce, and the priority now must be to ensure they can enter the NHS and help meet the needs of patients.
Thalia Lau, a physiotherapy graduate from Cardiff University, who is actively seeking employment, said:
I am incredibly grateful for the investment Wales has made in my training and I would love the opportunity to give back by working here and supporting patients.
‘At the moment, I’m staying positive. Most of my cohort are in a similar position, so I know it isn't a reflection of our ability or commitment. We’re ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to contribute.
‘Rejection after rejection can be difficult, but what’s most frustrating is knowing that so many newly qualified physiotherapists are eager to help patients and simply aren’t getting the opportunity to get their foot in the door. It's especially difficult when you know there is a massive need for more physiotherapists which is not correlating to the number of jobs offered.'
The CSP is encouraging students and graduates to write to their MS highlighting the issue, while further actions to highlight at a political level are underway.
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