William Eichler 09 June 2025

Council chiefs call for boost to occupational therapist workforce

Council chiefs call for boost to occupational therapist workforce image
© felixmontana / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have called on the Government to invest in council-employed occupational therapists (OTs) to improve health, care, and prevention strategy outcomes.

There are currently only 3,200 OTs employed by councils across England – or 7% of the total OT workforce –, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2020.

In a new report, titled Occupational Therapists in Councils: Unlocking Capacity and Driving Change, the Local Government Association (LGA) argues that the contribution of Ots, particularly in prevention and community-based care, remains ‘underutilised.’

Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the LGA’s Community and Wellbeing Board, said: ‘We all want to live in the place we call home, with the people and things we love, doing the things that matter to us. Occupational therapists help make that possible.

‘But too many people are missing out. Councils don’t have the funding to grow and retain the OT workforce they need – or to compete with the NHS on pay and conditions.’

Karin Orman, director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, added: ‘If the Government is serious about transforming care and supporting people to live independently in the community, then the upcoming Spending Review is the moment to act.

‘Councils urgently need more funding to grow and keep this vital workforce. Pay and working conditions must match those in the NHS so councils can recruit and retain staff.’ ?

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Newly Qualified Social Worker - Family Support & Protection

Essex County Council
Up to £34902.0000 per annum
Newly Qualified Social Worker - Family Support & ProtectionPermanent, Full Time£34,902 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer

East Cambridgeshire District Council
£84,607 to £107,153 per annum plus benefits
The Council is looking for a highly skilled and strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Senior Practitioner - Children & Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People with Disabilities, Mid EssexFixed Term, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 to £49,084 Pro-rata
Class Teacher M1- UPR3 £31,650 to £49,084 Pro-rata Permanent Part Time, Whole Time Required from 1st September 2025 Shotton Primary School is a happy Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Key Stage 1 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650-£43,607 pro rata
Key Stage 1 Class Teacher M1-6   £31,650-£43,607 pro rata Part Time, Whole Time, 0.4 FTE Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st Augus Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner