Support newly qualified physiotherapists: Review barriers to NHS jobs

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closedDepartment of Health and Social CareOpened 29 July 2025Closed 29 January 2026

Background

We think newly qualified physiotherapists are struggling to get NHS jobs due to experience requirements and internal-only adverts. Some apply for assistant roles or private jobs but may be rejected for being overqualified or lacking NHS experience. We want a review and better support into practice.

Additional details

We think physiotherapy graduates deserve fair access to employment and experience. Some applying for assistant roles to get experience may be rejected for being overqualified. Even private jobs may ask for NHS experience. We think this leaves graduates stuck and unable to start their careers. We’re calling for a review of Band 5 recruitment and better support to help newly qualified physiotherapists enter the workforce. We believe roles should be made more accessible to external applicants without NHS experience.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 732464.