1 A junior physiotherapy post with an acute or a primary care trust is what Lucy has been trained for. She would be able to keep her clinical skills up to date and gain invaluable experience while she decides which path to take in her physiotherapy career. The starting salary is band 5 so she would earn from £18,698, but competition is fierce because as well as this summer's unemployed graduates there are 45 from 2004 looking for their first step on the career ladder.
2 Working as an (unpaid) volunteer physiotherapist for a trust has become a popular option in the current recruitment climate. The conditions of employment and training match those of paid junior physiotherapists. Lucy would build up her clinical experience and confidence while being perfectly placed to get noticed when junior posts become available.
3 Many acute trusts are using newly qualified physiotherapists to provide cover for maternity leave, and other short-term needs, rather than relying on locums. Although her contract would be temporary, terms and conditions match those of a permanent junior post. Crucially, Lucy would be gaining experience, clinical confidence, and be available if a junior post comes up, and, unlike volunteering, she would have an income.
4 Lucy could become a physiotherapy assistant in the community, or in an acute trust, working alongside qualified physiotherapists and other allied health professionals. Although she may be overqualified, such posts offer her the chance to understand the role of the physiotherapist and other health professionals in the team. The downside is that after three years' training, Lucy's starting salary would be band 3, starting at £13,694.
5 Agency work is another option for Lucy, through which she could expect to earn £422 a week. But she would not be first choice for a trust because of her lack of experience. More experienced physiotherapists, especially those from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand who historically come to the UK to work, would be ahead of her in the queue.
