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Why is recruitment within podiatry turning into such a challenge?

by | Dec 19, 2025 | Business

As most of you reading this will understand, hiring a podiatrist now is more than tough. Especially as a private practice owner. Yes, there are some good resources out there such as Facebook groups, LinkedIn and indeed – yet when I ask hiring managers/practice owners if they have managed to fill their current vacancies, the answer is mostly no.

There is clearly a widely acknowledged workforce crisis in the podiatry profession. Truth is, the NHS is struggling just as much as independent practices. However, the podiatry services market is actually growing, not shrinking. As a recruiter still learning the ins and outs of this particular sector, I am sharing my day-to-day findings and general advice on how to work around the challenges most hirers are currently experiencing.

So, what is actually happening within our market?

University applications for podiatry training fell heavily after bursaries were removed in 2016 (–38% drop). Although modest subsidies have been reintroduced, recruitment of new trainees remains well below what’s needed, especially relative to rising demand. On the other hand, a large number of experienced pods are now reaching retirement age, intensifying shortages even more.

In many private practices, the path for career growth and ongoing development can feel a bit less defined than in larger organisations. Smaller clinics naturally have more intimate teams and leaner structures, which can make it a little harder for newer graduates to picture how they’ll progress over time…….

To Be Continued…..

 

Interested in finding your next podiatry hire?

Please contact Podiatry Business Central to find out how we can help:

📞 Call 0161 929 8389
📧 Email: [email protected]

Or click on the link to the right to check out our current podiatry job vacancies.

 

 

Dom Watson

Dom has spent more than 25 years in the healthcare sector, working with opticians and audiologists to help them get the most value from their businesses.

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