Government failing physiotherapy graduates - Gidley

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 14th Apr 2008

Sandra Gidley MP, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson

Over half of physiotherapy graduates from 2007 are still unemployed, according to new figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats. The figures, revealed in a Parliamentary Answer revealed many more employed in junior roles or on short-term contracts.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley said: "It is a disgrace that new physiotherapy graduates are struggling to gain employment. They are left feeling let down, unappreciated and disillusioned. This is all the more galling when the NHS is predicted to make a surplus of £1.8bn this year.

"The Government is failing graduates across the health sector, and is in danger of driving young people away from many professions. This is a huge waste of talent and public money. Physiotherapy is an essential tool in getting many people off benefits and back into work. Patients will suffer if something is not done. It will cost taxpayers even more in the long run if physiotherapy provision is irreversibly impaired."