Here is a copy of a letter I recently wrote to the CSP Frontline Editor. I was disappointed that they did not print it.

Is the CSP missing the point?

I hope you print this letter as I am totally bewildered and at a loss as to why the CSP appear to be focusing on current NHS problems as the cause of the widespread new graduate unemployment. In my view this problem has largely been created by BUPA and it will remain a problem, regardless of new NHS opportunities, unless the CSP focuses its attention into dealing with a rogue private health insurer.

About 18 months ago BUPA decided in its infinite wisdom to restrict coverage for it's members to treatments only provided by physiotherapists with a minimum of 5 years post graduate experience (except of course unless it was at a BUPA clinic!). This meant many private practitioners, including myself, had a team of staff that could no longer treat BUPA clients. No consideration was given to the fact that these excellent staff had been financially and professionally supported and educated for several years. I won't begin to go into the restriction of trade and anti-competition issues but god knows why the CSP haven't. And where does it say someone with 5 years existence post graduation is better than someone with 4? You could have taken 4 years out and worked for one year and according to BUPA your were better qualified than someone who had worked solidly for 4 years since their graduation.

New grad positions, senior 2 and senior 1 positions become available every year because many physio's exit the NHS during their first 5 years to find private practice jobs. Unfortunately private practices are now not employing anyone with less than 5 years post grad experience. Why? Because BUPA won't pay for treatments that are provided by them. Existing staff with less than 5 years experience already in the private sector are also not moving on as they have little to no opportunities as well.

What does it all mean? NHS physio's, with less than 5 years experience, are not moving into the private sector. Therefore the current new grads that have jobs won't leave for up to 5 further years. The result: the annual opening of NHS positions is not happening and few new jobs would be expected for at least 5 years. Unfortunately 5 years in the NHS is enough to make it perhaps a career choice and maybe they won't even move on when they do reach 5 years post graduation. The future is bleak at best for anyone studying physiotherapy unless the CSP get off their backsides and refocus their attention against BUPA and put the NHS crisis as second in line. After all the BUPA situation came first.