Dominated by the National Health Service, the healthcare industry in the UK employs around 4 million professionals. Despite cuts in government funding, the NHS remains Europe's largest employer and is responsible for around 1.7 million staff. There are numerous recruitment agencies who look at sourcing the most capable healthcare personnel and these could be in roles such as A&E physician or counsellor.
Much publicised job cuts in recent years has made it more difficult to enter the health sector although it still remains perhaps the most rewarding area of employment to be a part of. Salaries can vary dramatically between £20K and £80K depending on job role and experience. Managers and senior practitioners tend to be the highest earners while assistants in areas such as chiropody and dentistry are at the leaner end of the pay scale.
In Kent, recruitment is currently high by industry standards with the NHS recently* hiring around 500 candidates across five trusts in the county. This included physiotherapists, specialist nurses and clerical workers. The average health industry salary in Kent is around £32K, although as previously discussed, this figure can fluctuate depending on specific job title.
Due to the specialist skills required for many of the job roles, a graduate route is the most recommended way to enter the field. Surgeons and doctors will need a relevant degree and masters while work experience or diploma may be needed for more clerical or less skilled roles. As well as qualifications, most workers in the health profession need to have a caring nature as well as being able to adapt to unsociable hours and pressurised conditions.
*recent as of May 2014