The workforce review draws datasets together to build a comprehensive picture of the size and diversity of the UK physiotherapy workforce.
The review revealed there is not a single UK-wide picture. Understanding local needs across the four countries and regions, as well as the differences between them, ensures that workforce solutions remain right for each setting and administration.
Coming soon: The CSP physiotherapy workforce dashboard
Our data dashboard will provide real-time insights and analytics on the physiotherapy workforce across the UK.
Drawing on a range of data sources, the interactive tool will incorporate information about the size, distribution and characteristics of the workforce.
The dashboard will be an essential tool for:
National bodies seeking to understand the availability of physiotherapy staff
Healthcare decision-makers planning their workforce needs
Service leads seeking to recruit to new or existing roles
Check back in the coming weeks for publication of the dashboard.
The physiotherapy workforce in England
Ambitious objectives in the NHS Long Term will not be met without the workforce targets for physiotherapy staff across the system to enable delivery.
![Two physios hold equipment in hospital rehab space](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2023-08/Hospital%20rehab%20equipment%20gym.jpg?itok=bWDBT252)
The physiotherapy workforce in Northern Ireland
The supply and retention of physiotherapists in Northern Ireland has reached a critical point and is now verging on a crisis.
![Two physios work with man in a wheelchair](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2023-08/Hospital%20rehab%20exercise%20with%20young%20male%20and%20black%20female%20physio.jpg?itok=yBkJTWvg)
The physiotherapy workforce in Scotland
Physiotherapy is a profession ready to grow in Scotland and is crucial to address current workforce needs as well as addressing health inequities.
![Scotland physiotherapist](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2021-03/dsc_7352.jpg?itok=9q4YtPes)
The physiotherapy workforce in Wales
Expanding the physiotherapy workforce in Wales will provide more rehab, more proactive care, reduce the unnecessary time patients spend in hospital, and improve GP access.
![Patient and physio in hospital corridor](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2023-08/Hospital%20gym%20rehab%20walking.jpg?itok=twQ4dlFf)
How the UK physio workforce compares internationally
The UK has one of the lowest rates of physios per person compared with similar Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries
![Student_placements](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/images/2018-09/student_special_frontline_5_sept.jpg?itok=twXJbS8E)
The consequences of workforce shortages
Shortages in the physiotherapy workforce lead to less time spent on service improvement, reduced clinical outcomes, longer waiting times, increased demands elsewhere in the system and pressure on staff.
![Physio giving rehab to patient](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2023-10/csp_090117_day2_0333.jpg?itok=ei6tB3jx)
Rising demand for physiotherapy
Although the registered physiotherapy workforce in the UK has been expanding consistently for some time, this is not keeping pace with increasing demand
![Hand rehab with two physios](/sites/default/files/styles/content_snippet/public/media-image/2023-08/Hand%20rehab%20with%20two%20physios%20hospital.jpg?itok=ER_k9WUy)