Physiotherapists stage their first ever strike action today

Thousands of NHS physiotherapists in England have become the latest group to engage in industrial action in a dispute over pay and claims the sector is ‘on its knees’.

Physios and their support staff at 30 NHS services – one in seven members – are staging a 24-hour walkout today, with picket lines located at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals. This is the first time members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) have gone on strike. 

Like the majority of other strike cases, physios walkouts are centred around the pay dispute – NHS physios are on the standard NHS contract that applies to all staff, except doctors and dentists. Despite NHS workers receiving an extra £1,400 this year, which works out at an average rise of just over a 4% pay rise, health unions are asking for an increase above inflation levels.

Before strike action kicked off today, Jill Taylor, a Lead Regional Steward for CSP, said striking was an ‘absolute last resort’.

Ms Taylor said: ‘It’s the first time we have ever taken strike action over pay – and we have been pushed into this by the government. We have significant workforce shortages and huge waiting lists.

‘This was, to some degree, the case pre-Covid but since and during then it has been exacerbated. The government have tried to offer a pay award that’s half the rate of inflation. That’s just not enough.’

Whilst taking part in a 24-hour walkout today, physios have reassured people they will continue to provide care in urgent cases. This includes supporting people who have recently suffered a stroke and require crucial physiotherapy and patients with severe respiratory problems.  

However, discharge planning, rehabilitation work and community physio is expected to be disrupted.

Claire Sullivan, Director of CSP Employment Relations said: ‘The government must come to the table with something tangible that we can put to our members to prevent more strikes following if there is no progress.

‘We’re determined to secure a pay deal that helps our members cope with the cost-of-living crisis, and helps the NHS recruit and retain staff to deliver the services that patients desperately need.’

In addition to physios hitting the picket line today, NHS nurses strikes are due to take event next month, with walkouts reaching the highest number of staff members ditching their roles.

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