Throughout the UK, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals across an array of specialisations. One of these specialisations is podiatry. There is a high demand for podiatrists across a diverse range of workplaces within the UK, including NHS hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, sports clubs and health centres in locations spread throughout the UK.
If you are considering a move to the UK from Australia or any other country globally and are looking to work as a podiatrist, Globe Locums has a wide spectrum of podiatrist positions available. Locum roles are ideal for those looking for a temporary work placement as they allow you to stand in temporarily for someone else of the same profession. There are also many opportunities for permeant jobs as a podiatrist in the UK allowing you to find the best podiatrist role to suit you. Register today to find the right podiatrist role for you.
How to register to work in the UK
If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or any countries across Europe, you will need to be aware of the UK immigration processes before deciding on a move to work in the UK. The processes in which one must undertake vary depending on if you are looking for a temporary or locum position during a working holiday, or whether you are in search of a permeant position within the UK.
Temporary Positions
If you are looking for a temporary or locum position working as a podiatrist in the UK, there are 3 key routes you can go down. The first is to obtain a T5 (a temporary visa) . This will require the participant to be a part of an authorised government exchange scheme. You will also require a certificate of sponsorship reference number. This will be provided by the employer the government scheme has placed you with. You will also need a valid passport or equivalent documentation that shows your identity and nationality. Alternatively, those seeking a temporary podiatry role in the UK can apply for a youth mobility scheme visa. To be eligible for this visa participants will need to want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Participants are also required to be between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age with a minimum of £2,530 in savings and be able to provide proof of this. There is also the option of a Health and Care Worker Visa. To be eligible for this visa you must hold qualifications as a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional equivalent to those required in the UK. This visa will also require the occupation code for podiatry which is 2218. Additional documents which will be required consist of: - A valid passport showing your identity and nationality - Proof of your knowledge of English - A certificate of sponsorship reference number (provided by an employer) - A job title and annual salary.
HPCP Registration
If you are looking to work as a podiatrist in the UK, you will need to register with HCPC as well as obtain a relevant working Visa. HCPC is the Health and Care Professions Council [https://www.hcpc-uk.org/]. It is their role to act as a regulator for healthcare professionals within the UK. Their main purpose is to protect the public from healthcare professionals practising without the necessary training or skill set. By registering with the HCPC they will ensure that you have the skill set required to meet the standard in the UK. You can can out more and register with HCPC through their website.
Life as a podiatrist in the UK
Life as a podiatrist in the UK can vary depending on where you decide to seek employment. From private healthcare clinics to sports centres and the NHS, there is a wide range of opportunities for podiatrists within the UK. Within the NHS, permanent working hours are typically around 37.5 hours a week. The role of an NHS podiatrist often involves handling issues such as ingrowing toenails, very dry skin, heel pain and foot pain. This role generally has a greater engagement with the public and offers more face-to-face time with patients than other healthcare roles within the UK. Alternatively, to the NHS, you may opt for the role of a podiatrist in a private healthcare setting, such as a private hospital or a sporting clinic. These hours are often more flexible than those working in the NHS offering more weekends and evenings free. As well as assessing and diagnosing patients, these roles often involve giving advice and making referrals to other healthcare professions and social services as well as working with athletes or high-risk patients such as the elderly. There is also the option for locum working, where you can work in specific assignments for a set duration of time (weeks, months, or longer!), and they can be more flexible in terms of shifts/hours worked. Locum positions typically pay higher rates than permanent positions. Speak with our team if you have any specifically questions about becoming a locum in the UK. Post COVID-19, the role of a podiatrist also involves a lot more covid safety procedures such as covid screenings, cleaning, and the use of PPE.
Accommodation
Another important aspect you will have to consider is whether making a permanent or a temporary move to the UK to work will be where you are going to stay. Some positions will come alongside offers of accommodation while others will expect you to seek your own. It is more frequent to be offered accommodation when applying for temporary positions, however specific long-term job offers do also offer accommodation.
Temporary/Locum jobs and Accommodation
Working as a locum refers to standing in temporarily for someone else who performs the same profession. This could be due to a leave of sickness, maternity or for many other reasons. These positions, can offer accommodation. This offer will be for accommodation in flats or apartments either in residence or nearby the hospital. This is an ideal situation if you are planning on either moving around a lot or only staying in the UK for a temporary time. Alternatively, if the position does not come with an offer for accommodation, a short-term let maybe your best option. A short term let often refers to renting a room in a house. The contracts for these can vary from as short as 1 month to 3/6 months depending on the property you have found.
Permanent jobs and Accommodation
If you are planning on staying in the UK for a longer duration, or if you are planning on making the move permanent, it may be more beneficial to look for a private long-term residence. While some long-term jobs might offer accommodation, the stability of private residence offers peace of mind. Whether this involves renting or buying a flat, house or room in a house share, there are plenty of options and opportunities for private accommodation within the UK.
Bank Accounts
When working in the UK, many organisations will require you to have a UK bank account for your salary to be paid into. For the most part, which bank you set up your account with is based on your personal preference. Most bank accounts do have an online management option so you can manage your finances without having to go into a branch. One suggestion for setting up a bank account within the UK is to look at the benefits systems each bank has to offer. Some banks will offer cashback schemes of up to £100, UK sim cards for your phone or even rewards and prizes when you set up your account. For this reason, it is important to research your banking options before setting up a current account. If you are only looking at being in the UK for a locum or temporary position, you may not need to set up a UK bank account. Instead, you may want to research to benefits of international bank accounts. These can also often be accessed online however employees at the bank will be more than able to assist in setting up this type of account for you.
Remuneration
Once again, the amount of money that can be earned as a podiatrist in the UK varies depending on whether you are applying for roles in the NHS or if you are looking for roles in private facilities. For those looking for NHS roles, the entry-level salaries can range from between £24,907 to £30,615. Whereas those looking for podiatrist jobs in private practices can typically expect to earn anywhere from £20,000 to upwards of £50,000. Locum podiatry jobs can pay up to £35 per hour, depending on location and experience.