Working in Allied Health in the UK
Britain has one of the largest and most proficient healthcare systems in the world. A locum position or permanent post can be your ticket to the UK and Europe.
Recruitment agencies can give you a head start on your job search. They do the work for you by searching their open jobs to match you with one that fits your expertise, schedule, and location preferences.
The Opportunity
Employment Scope
Choose from an extensive list of Allied Health professions and locations throughout England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Demand
As the largest single employer in the UK, the NHS consistently experiences a high demand for Allied Health professionals from overseas.
Lifestyle
Secure contract work that aligns with your travel plans during your work holiday, or start looking for permanent roles.
Scope: Work for Britain's single greatest employer.
The British healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), has grown into one of the most extensive and progressive public healthcare systems in the world. It is the largest publicly funded healthcare service globally. Although there is a growing private healthcare sector in Britain, it is not used by the majority of the population.
Working for NHS
There are many NHS jobs available! The NHS is the largest employer in Britain, directly employing more than 1.7 million people. The range of services offered by the NHS is vast, and there is a continual need for qualified and experienced staff to help provide these services.
List of available Allied Health professions
- Art Therapist
- Dietitians
- Dramatherapists
- Operating department practice
- Orthoptists
- Occupational Therapist
- Osteopaths
- Music therapists
- Physiotherapy
- Paramedics
- Podiatrists
- Prosthetists / Orthotists
- Radiographers
- Speech and Language Therapists
How NHS Operates
Understanding the structure of the NHS can be very helpful when you first arrive. Overall, the NHS is under the political authority of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) within the British government. Different regions have Integrated Care Systems (ICS) responsible for planning the healthcare in their area.
The Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) work with the ICS, while the NHS Trusts and Foundations provide the actual care. These NHS Trusts and Foundations are the different services, hospitals and clinics that provide direct health care to the community.
Contract and Permanent Positions
Types of Employment You Can Expect to Find
The full range of employment options is available to health professionals, though full-time and part-time positions are most common. The type of employment you take may depend on the type of visa you hold. If you are on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, finding a permanent role can be quite difficult due to the time restrictions associated with your visa. Instead, you are more likely to find contract roles. For example, maternity leave cover positions are often a great source of employment for people on a Youth Mobility Visa.
Demand: Enter a thriving market.
There are a lot of NHS jobs! The NHS is the single largest employer in Britain, directly employing more than 1.7 million people. The scope of services offered by the NHS is huge, and there is a continual need for qualified and experienced staff to help with the provision of these services. The NHS covers pretty much all the health services, covering a wide range of treatments and care options.
Market Outlook for Those Seeking Healthcare Employment
The outlook for Allied Health professionals is excellent. The size of the healthcare service, combined with its commitment to providing high-quality services, creates a strong demand for qualified and experienced workers from overseas. Generally, health professionals from overseas are highly regarded.
Lifestyle: Earnings & Locations
How Much You’ll Earn
Health professionals working in the public sector are well-paid, with wage rates similar to those in the private sector.
The NHS has a structured pay system that determines your salary. Salaries are awarded based on a points system, with 9 bands representing different levels of qualification, responsibility, and expertise (band 9 being the highest pay bracket). Within each pay band, there are a series of pay points—staff generally move up one pay point per year until they reach the top of their band.
The NHS Job Evaluation Scheme is used to determine which band each employee belongs to. As an experienced and qualified overseas Health professional it is likely that you will meet the criteria for bands 5, 6 or 7. The pay rates for each band are outlined in this table:
| Band or Equivalent | Earnings Per Annum |
|---|---|
| Band 1 | £20,270 |
| Band 2 | £20,270 - £21,318 |
| Band 3 | £20,330 - £23,159 |
| Band 4 | £22,549 - £27,598 |
| Band 5 | £25,645 - £30,229 |
| Band 6 | £32,306 - £37,831 |
| Band 7 | £40,057 - £46,244 |
| Band 8a | £47,126 - £56,992 |
| Band 8b | £54,764 - £67,285 |
| Band 8c | £65,664 - £79,466 |
| Band 8d | £78,192 - £94,345 |
| Band 9 | £93,735 - £111,595 |
Positions are available country-wide. If you desire to live at a specific location, it is usually possible to find a job to suit the location. If you are using a recruitment agency, make sure you are clear about your location preferences from the start.
England
Within England, positions are most commonly found in the large and economically dominant regions of the North West, South East and Greater London. As with all jobs in the UK, it is in London that you will find the greatest number of opportunities but competition can be high.
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
If you are more concerned about finding the right job rather than the right location, then there are certain regions which are more likely to be fruitful. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you are more likely to find your desired Allied Health job in one of the capital cities (Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast respectively). Still, there are generally more Health positions in England than in any of the other constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
How to Prepare
How to Find a Job
- Cut to the chase by simply registering with specialist recruitment agencies for health recruitment that are focused on helping people from overseas – ideally before you arrive.
- Discover the opportunities available by reading the information below.
- Begin applying to specific health and medical jobs.
Qualifications from Overseas
Most Health jobs require you to possess a tertiary-level degree, diploma or certificate issued from an approved educational institution. These requirements vary from profession to profession, so it is important to ensure that you fully investigate this before you start applying.
Getting Your Overseas Qualifications Recognized
Overseas qualifications will usually be recognised only after they have been verified by an appropriate body. The method for having your qualifications verified varies depending on your profession and the regulatory or professional body that requires their verification.
For many health professionals, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulatory body with which you will have to apply for registration. For detailed information on what this process involves, see our Health Professionals Council page.
Overseas Qualification Quick Links:
Before You Go: What employers will check before giving you a job.
One of the key benefits of working with a recruitment consultant is that they ensure you have everything sorted out, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive in the UK. For most allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and radiographers, there are several requirements that need to be met before you can apply.
- Your Identity
- Work Permits
- Qualifications
- Registration
- References
- Criminal Records Bureau
- Occupational health
Table of Contents
FAQs
Answers to some questions you might have
Will my overseas qualifications be recognised in the UK?
If you are from a Commonwealth country, yes, almost certainly. Typically, other Commonwealth countries are highly regarded. Other countries, too, may be recognised; however, you will need to check what is required for registration with your professional body.
Who can I expect to work for in the UK?
The NHS directly employs more than 1.7 million people so it is a fair bet that you too may end up on their payroll. The structure of the NHS is such that your direct employer will be the particular Trust which is responsible for your place of work. For example, as a Physiotherapist in Nottingham, you will be employed by one of the Nottingham NHS Trusts, such as Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust or Nottingham CityCare Partnership CIC.
There are also opportunities to work for private hospitals, clinics and practices as a health professional, though these are less common than positions within the public sector.
How much will I earn?
Your pay rate depends on your profession, level of qualification, responsibilities and expertise. Generally, a qualified entry-level health professional can expect to make around £22,300 per annum while intermediate level can be around £30,000 to £34,000 per annum. Check out the salary table (above) to get the latest expected salaries per band.
How should I go about finding the right Allied Health Job?
Whether you are applying for a specific job or looking for something that matches your skills and experience, your first point of contact will likely be a recruiter. Recruitment agencies play a big role in the British job market. Their job is to find quality candidates for employers while helping candidates develop and progress their careers.
Are NHS jobs in England the same as NHS jobs in other parts of the UK?
While the NHS is often referred to as if it is a single entity throughout the whole of the UK, it technically only exists as the NHS within England. NHS Scotland, NHS Wales and Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland are all managed independently though they are funded centrally. This page generally refers to the NHS (the public healthcare system of England) as this is by far the largest and most developed of the healthcare systems. Unless otherwise stated, it is safe to assume that the information provided about the NHS is also applicable to the healthcare systems of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How far in advance should I register with agencies to find a job?
You can apply with recruitment agencies soon before your arrival, That said, many allied health jobs are in high demand that you will likely find a job within weeks of everything being sorted out. Your recruitment consultant will start the process of finding you a suitable position, giving you a great head start to your working life in Britain. If your travel plans or arrival date change, just inform your recruitment consultant, and they will take care of the rest.
Master the Art of Job Hunting in the UK
Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Succeeding in the Competitive UK Job Market
Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international job seeker, this book provides the tools you need to craft standout applications, ace interviews, and secure the perfect position. Don’t let the competitive job market hold you back—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed with this indispensable resource.
