Podiatrist Shortage And Overseas Podiatrists

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Dear All,

I have been following this series of events ie shortage of Pods in Australia.

Well I am a UK trained Pod and :

I WANT TO MOVE TO AUSTRALIA TO PRACTICE AS A PODIATRIST.

I trained at the Plymouth School Of Podiatry.

Qualified in 1986.
Have been in continuous Practice since, NHS and Private Practice.

Currently NHS where i am lead Clinician for Diabetes and Nail Surgery for a rural NHS Trust.

I do not have a degree but i do have the diploma and LA cert.

I have always taken part in CPD.

I am 46 years of age.

So why the post?.

Well despite your desparate shortages you do not seem to want people like my self.

eg over 45 years of age.

I know that i have to sit a practical exam in order to achieve vlidation and therefore registration,

Why cant i be offered a job and like the nurses start work and do the validation while in employment.

I am even willing to work under supervision till validation achieved.

The current system makes it extremely difficult for poor soles such as myself to achieve ones desired aim.

I will gladly sign a 2 year contract and work in a rural area in order to get in and practice legally.

So why when i contact various organisations do they show little or no interest in my potential as an employee.

I find it sad that they would not consider somebody such as myself who still has a good 20 years of practice ahead of them.

Any interest in offering me an opportunity will be greatly appreciated.


regards David Cooper
D.Pod.M.,M.Ch.S.,H.P.C.reg.

 

Employment

My advice to you is if you have decided to come to Australia is to make sure any potential employer you may be considering is reputable and is willing to both treat you properly and to pay you the correct salary for your skills, Enquire and get hold of the public sector pay guides and look on recruitment sites such as www.podiatryzone.com at comparable job postings do not be dazzled by any potential employer telling you that they have a fantastic opportunity or lifestyle on offer without first making sure you are entering into a position that you will be happy with, because once you have accepted a sponsored position it can be very hard to change things or to move on to a new employer.

 

Shortage of Pods in Oz

I would echo that sentiment, I've heard of real horror story, involving a dragon of a boss, low remuneration & a contract that was very hard to break. Not to mention a massive caseload & pressure to prescribe orthotics for pretty much every patient, regardless of symptoms.

Having said that, I've also heard some tales of excellent practices providing decent salary & working conditions.

It may be the expense that puts potential employers off taking on non-Aussie podiatrists; I was offered a sponsorship, & the company owner was pretty clear that it was a last resort for them because of the aditional finance compared with taking on Australian nationals.

It is expensive & time-consuming to sort out the paperwork to emmigrate to Australia, whatever type of visa you are after. There are special rules for many health care professions, but podiatry isn't one of them. The immigration dept doesn't recognise any shortage in podiatrists, it seems!

I wish you luck in your quest, if I make it out there before you, I'd happily consider you for work in my practice (such big plans, now all I need is my visa!).

Kind regards, Sarah

 

I think I know who you are talking about

Unfortunatly its not just overseas Podiatrists that can get treated badly - I have heard similar horror stories from recent grads here .... I have also heard horror stories from employers about how occasional recent grads have treated them ..... I am still trying to figure out how they seem to think its the University's fault

However, these are in the minority in the grand scheme of things.

My theory is that the longevity of a recent grad in the profession is directly proportional to the quaility of their first job.... if employers give them the crap work and treat them bad, they leave ..... ever wonder why there is a shortage?

 

Shortage of Pods

Perhaps there is hope for my plan to start a practice for high-quality pods?! I've worked for enough idiots to know how not to treat staff (whether or not my current team would agree, I don't know!). Shame so many employers seem to forget that staff are kinda vital, & if you want their best you've got to make them feel valued & respected. Sadly, employers in all walks of life do vary in their attitude towards their staff.

As a postscript to the dragon boss story, my mate was able to escape (without financial penalty) in the end - but only after a huge row that so enraged the boss that he told my mate to leave!

 

Some are not so lucky

I am glad your friend managed to escape his "dragons clutches" it is a shame that many others are not so lucky.

Whilst I have no doubt that in the main podiatry employers are decent and honest there are a few in the minority who have little regard for immigrant staff and see it as a very nice little ruse to get good staff cheaper than Australian nationals and keep them on a bad deal.

It is also shame that these parasitic employers manipulate the system of sponsored visas and dodge accountability for their actions, I believe these employers see themselves as above the law and too clever to get caught.

I also believe there should be a database of pay rates both private and public, not set in stone but there none the less as a guide for the unwary so that when you are offered a position you have the opportunity of comparing it.

When I hear of professional Podiatrists coming over to Australia with several years experience for a difficult to fill position and then being paid less than many first year graduates get as a salary then something is very wrong.

Remember if a smooth talking employer sounds too good to be true they almost certainly are.... Check things out !

 

From what I understand podiatry is now a profession in demand in Australia on gives you the 60 point necassary for a visa, so sponsorship is no longer as important.

Re: Wage rates. Public sector pods are paid at varying rates between the states based on workplace or industry wide EBAs, with salaries (in Victoria)ranging b/w $50k to $80K plus tax benefits worth $8500 to $1600. Plus 9% superannuation. Most other states are slighty or in NSW greatly less.

There is a private sector award that is 30% lower than the public sector EBA, but wages are negatiated above this based somewhat on the public sector.

Unfortunately some in private practice don't truely employ the podiatrists but provide a fee sharing arrangmrnt which actually makes them contactors, which can have tax, superannuation and workcover implications.

If working i the private sector ensure youhave an employment agreement that has been independantly reveiewed.

 

What can be done ?

Podiatry does seem to be in great demand in Australia and sponsorship is not the only option, however for many reasons some Podiatrists do choose to enter the country in this way.

Once you have entered as a sponsored employee, if you then find you are on a bad deal what can be done ?

Has anyone here been in this situation ?

 

This seems to paint a poor picture of overseas podiatrists working in Australia... I am employed here on a base salary of $35,000. I receive bonuses if I work hard - and not if I don’t – a system that works for me and my boss.

I receive a decent overall salary as I put in the hard yards & have an excellent working relationship with my boss. He had a UK podiatrist previously who was lazy & wasn’t prepared to work hard, as a result never got bonuses and felt 'hard done by' as she only got $35,000. (the sort who gives poms a bad name!) Just as some bosses try to rip off staff, there are staff who try to rip off bosses & want top dollar for little effort.

My boss did sponsor me (from Canada) it was a lengthy process and expensive but the end result is fantastic for both of us, Australia is a fabulous country & worth the effort to come.

I would suggest most bosses dont purposely give a bad deal, try communicating with them re your needs and theirs.

good luck

Mary

 

Thats very interesting Mary

Mary

How were Hotdogs my friend ?

My understanding was that immigration would not grant a visa to someone being paid a basic salary of below the health care workers award which I believe is around $37,500 Perhaps this is a unique arrangement you have ?

Out of interest how does the bonus work to compensate you for the low basic ? I take it you must be on a high % of takings like 30 - 40% to compensate.

I believe to sponsor you would have only been a cost of $550 ish to the employer and usually a decent employer would pay for your flight and first few weeks accomodation.

I agree some employees in any walk of life can be lazy, However I do not believe this is common in Podiatry.

I would also agree that you can communicate with many employers although there are also some awful employers that won't listen because they believe you to be in a weak position, These employers believe they are above the law and too clever to get caught.

The UK Podiatrist you worked with must have been very Lazy or crazy if she was on a motivating bonus scheme and still did not work.

 

Bonus system

Hotdog,

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray[COLOR=DarkGreen]]"This seems to paint a poor picture of overseas podiatrists working in Australia... I am employed here on a base salary of $35,000. I receive bonuses if I work hard - and not if I don’t – a system that works for me and my boss. "[/COLOR]


If you don't mind asking...

What sort of patients do you see at your clinic in Australia? Palliative, Diabetic, Sports Medicine based?

What do you get your bonus' for ? Extra patients seen after hours? Nail operations? Prescription orthotics?

I work at Sports Medicine clinic in New Zealand and have a small bonus system working but would be keen to fine tune it a little more.

regards,

Gareth Milne

 

Hi!

Forgive me if I'm missing something here...

But $35000 Australian Dollars = £14,392.48.

That is not a lot of money a year to live on before tax.

Now I haven't been to Australia so maybe houses and things are cheaper???

But that works out at £276.76 A WEEK before tax.

What is the point???

A window cleaner in the UK with no Degree, no HPC, no CPD can earn a lot more than that a week now.

In private practice (and yes I know turnover does not equal profit) £300 a day is not rocket science to take in the UK. Without Visas or a boss trying to use and abuse you.

In fact $50000 Australian Dollars = £20,573.32 doesn't seem tempting either. Oh no!

I was also wondering what does the bog standard basic grade NHS Pod straight out of University get paid a year before tax?

Please enlighten me. I'm mystified as to why anyone would want to do this for this money unless they were newly qualified and wanted to see the world. Obviously money is not a motive.

Please don't slap me everybody.

Maybe I'm just being stupid...

Cheers,

Robin.

 

I See...

I thought maybe this was the case!

So tell me...

If you had your feet 'done' privately, what is the going rate for a Chiropody appointment is Australia?
I charge mostly £30 a treatment in the UK.

Cheers,

Robin.

 

Salary Levels.....

Australia is cheaper than the UK in many areas but not all areas so there is some merit in there being lower salaries on offer depending on where in Australia you live for example Sydney is very expensive and perhaps as expensive as London in parts, However Brisbane and Perth and many rural areas are much cheaper, So a degree of common sence should be exercised when looking for work, I would also advise ringing up other practices in an area you are thinking of going to to check out the reputation of your prospective employer, generally if you are talking to a bad one the community will know about it.

The issue in Queensland is that there appears to be no award applicable to podiatrists in the private sector, So if an employer was of the mind to mislead you they could con you into thinking that $35,000 OR $37,500 with a terrible bonus scheme was a good salary and by the time you found out that you had been played like a banjo it would be too late your choices then are you live with the bad bargain or do battle with a system not designed to support you.

 

My point was not about salary, just really to tell podiatrists wanting to come to Australia, not to be put off by horror stories, some of the horror stories are from employees who get very little (money) because they put in very little (effort). My experience, and that of the handful of overseas pods I know (mainly UK & NZ) is very happy.

But for those that have asked, I see all patients (Australian podiatry is very similar to NZ, more biomechanical than UK & Canada). I see lots of general treatments but enough diabetic and biomechanical patients to keep variety. My bonus is worked out on the total I earn. This seems to be common in Australia – I like it – you get rewarded for effort. My total salary with bonuses is around $50,000 which I am very happy with (I would only get the base of $35,000 if I was putting in minimal effort, I guess my boss does it this way to protect himself from lazy employees). I do see some urgent patients in lunch breaks and after hours (as I assume most people do) but generally work a normal week, not huge hours. Someone asked about who paid for flights – I paid my own way & my boss set me up in a share house. I paid my own rent - just as an Australian podiatrist would – why would you expect them to pay your rent just because you come from overseas? Don’t come here expecting to be treated like gold – Australians wont like that.

Robin – you can’t compare straight dollar for pound conversions. I worked for a year in UK & earned about 30,000 pounds (more than I earn here). As someone else said, the cost of living here is cheap, my standard of living here is much higher on my Australian salary, than it was in UK for more money. I find Australians much less money focused than many countries. I have lived and worked in Canada, UK, NZ & now Australia. Australia will be my home – it has an easy going lifestyle that suits me, is a most beautiful country with heaps to do, people are non judgmental and very accepting of different cultures. I appreciate Australia is a big country, I can really only speak from my experiences in Victoria but I have travelled a fair bit here & find similar attitudes everywhere.

If you move to another country, you have to be prepared to ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’. People (not just podiatrists) that I have found to be unhappy are those who move to another country but still want all the good things they had ‘back in the old country’ (but none of the bad things of course). Things are different in different countries, your house will be different, you will eat different food, they have lot of insects & poisionous animals here, you certainly have to deal with different attitudes and expectations from people you meet, and you have different salary and different expectations about what you do with that salary (I spend mine on travel – which is very Australian!). You can look on these things as a negative “we didn’t do it like that back home” which will make you a very unhappy person, or you can look on them as part of the excitement & challenge of moving to a new country & enjoy the experiences that you are sent. Your choice. My advice, having lived in 4 different countries, is that it is a huge culture shock every time, even when it is what you really want to do – don’t even try it unless you are really happy to embrace a new culture & everything that means. The experience will be what you make it, you get out of this life what you put in.

Also David, I am 44 and got work easily (2 year contract) so I don’t think our age is a barrier to people wanting to employ overseas podiatrists.

Mary

 

Please tell me how does it work ?

You said "My total salary with bonuses is around $50,000 which I am very happy with (I would only get the base of $35,000 if I was putting in minimal effort, I guess my boss does it this way to protect himself from lazy employees)"

Hotdog J

I am sure you did get work easily as the demand for Podiatry in Australia is huge and you have been more than accomodating.

It would be interesting to know how the bonus works ? could you enlighten me please, As I know of someone who is looking at changing their bonus scheme at the moment and wants to look at both ends of the spectrum.

 

wage rates

I have found a link applicable to Public sector pay rates in Queensland that I believe cover Podiatry may be of interest to you all in these discussions.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/industrial_relations/wage_rates_professional.asp


Grade 2
Yrs exp
1 $40,488
2 $42,826
3 $45,145
4 $47,480
5 $49,815
6 $52,139

Grade 3
Yrs exp
1 $54,824
2 $56,538
3 $58,263
4 $59,974

Will have a dig about for the other states, Hope this helps you all with your discussions ...

 

Salary

Hotdog

I am very happy for you if you truly believe thats all your worth

 

What is a Grade 2 and Grade 3 Podiatrist? What are the criteria to be in either class?

 

Levels

GENERIC LEVEL STATEMENT - PROFESSIONAL STREAM

Professional Officer Level 2

Work Level Description (PO2)

Positions at this level consist of employees with a minimum of a UG1 (Degree) qualification or agreed equivalent and who are identified as belonging to the generic groupings listed in the definition statement.

Mandatory qualifications exist for entry to this level with an expectation of the application of professional knowledge gained through formal studies.

Positions at this level involve the delivery of basic professional services that are in support of agency objectives.

Characteristics of the Work

Work is initially performed under close supervision by a more experienced professional; however, this supervision is expected to reduce as experience increases. Guidance is always close at hand.

The solution of problems may require the exercise of professional judgement through the selection and application of procedures, methods and standards, however guidance from senior staff is readily available.

Employees at this level may operate individually or as a member of a project team within a work group.

Positions at this level generally have no supervisory responsibilities although more experienced employees may assist new employees by providing guidance and advice.

Possession of the mandatory tertiary qualification and experience is required for positions within this level.

Additionally, knowledge of basic practices and procedures relevant to the discipline is required. Professional judgement may be exercised within prescribed areas, however the provision of results is subject to verification and validation.

Duties and Skills

Positions at this level may involve an employee in a range of activities including the analysis and interpretation of findings as they relate to the elements of the work. They could also include the preparation of reports incorporating recommendations on basic operations.

Employees at this level perform non-repetitive tasks, governed by established procedures, specific guidelines and standardised instructions.

Employees who have obtained professional knowledge as indicated by successful completion of the appropriate 3 year undergraduate degree or diploma and be able to apply theoretical aspects of the relevant discipline to basic problems or minor phases of broader assignments.

Professional Officer Level 3

Work Level Description (PO3)

This level usually requires professional expertise in one or more areas of a discipline. Detailed knowledge of standard professional tasks is required with scope existing for exercising initiative in the application of established work practices and procedures.

At this level some supervisory responsibility of subordinate staff may be required. The degree of supervision is variable depending on the assignment or project.

Employees will be required to progressively obtain greater specialised knowledge through postgraduate qualifications or postgraduate developmental experience through attendance at specialist seminars and achieve higher level of outcomes under reducing professional direction.

Characteristics of the Work

Work is usually performed under general guidance with the general quality of output monitored by superiors. However, the technical content of the work is not normally subject to direct supervision. Guidance may be given in reviewing work programmes or on unusual features of an assignment.

Employees are expected to exercise initiative in the application of professional practices either as a member (in some situations as leader) or a specialist professional in multi-disciplinary teams or independently and may deputise for the professional head of a small work unit.

Employees at this level may have supervisory responsibilities for technical staff, if required, together with responsibilities for training and development of subordinate professional staff within the discipline.

Duties and Skills

Work at this level requires the undertaking of more complex activities and the selection and application based on professional judgement of new and existing techniques and methodologies.

Employees may carry out research under professional supervision and may be expected to contribute to the advances of the techniques used.

Supervisory responsibilities include on-the-job training, staff assessment and performance counselling in relation to subordinates within the discipline or para professionals, as well as authority for the verification and validation of work results of supervised staff.

Duties also include the responsibility for varied professional assignments, requiring knowledge of either a broad or specialised field. Problems would be addressed by the use of combinations of standard procedures and/or modifications of standard procedures.

See attached

 

The profession

Money isnt everything but a $35k base is pretty pathetic (unless you are part time )..... I would wake up if I were you !

If we do not treat ourselves with respect and value our services then who will ?

 

Wow I don't believe it !

So your are you telling me that 35k is acceptable as a basic for a well seasoned Podiatrist of 44 yrs of age even when as someone said earlier you can't sponsor someone form abroad on less than $37,500 and that figure is below any award ?

Ok so answer me this what should someone on a 35k basic earn with a 20% bonus on billings would you say ?

Infact what would you say is acceptable for a professional who is in demand to earn ?

Also as for all that fluff said earlier about not expecting too much I cant believe it.....It is common practice in most industries when sponsoring to pay flights over for interviews and relocation costs.....The issue as I see it is we are professionals to be respected and paid accordingly.

 

Profession in Demand?!

At the risk of sounding like a smart-arse, actually podiatry does not appear on the current list of 'Occupations in Demand' on the DIMIA website, it does get 60 points for skill level, but that is not sufficient for an independent migration visa. For that, the pass is now, I think 110. As a 29 yr old with 8 years experience, I just about hit the pass mark, including points for English language ability, etc. If one is applying for an 'Australian-sponsored visa', in teh Sydney Area the goalposts are different, & the age thing would probably be less of a barrier (for the over 35s).

I think it is meaningless to compare salaries in the UK & Australia, because the cost of living and the lifestyle are so different. Moving to Oz is not something to be done if you want to make money, or make some other material gain. Living in Australia is about a different way of life from that 'enjoyed' by those of us in Britain, & for me is the ideal place to live because I love the people, the wildlife, the lifestyle & the climate!

I do, however, think that it is sad that some employers are quite prepared to exploit their workers, knowing that their stay in Oz depends on their sponsorship visa. However such is life, & I guess we all need to 'beware the shyster' in every part of our lives! Nice to know that our skills are in demand in more than one part of the world too!!

 

re age

The reason why i posted this was to make a few points.

Podiatry gets Nil points at this time

46/47 years of age gets nil points also

Having the Diploma not the degree but 20 years continuous experience in both NHS 20 years and pp 11 years is also nil points as a degree is mandatory.#

I can sit an exam at a Uni to get my Diploma validated.

So as a 46/47 year old consider flying half way round the world to sit an exam then fly back .

Then wait for result.

If result negative shoot oneself ( all that time and money and no result)

Result is positive so APCO reg etc .

Now lets up and at em.

OH you are now 47 years of age .

HHHMMMMMMMMMMMM

So any way off to Sunny Spain for a nice spring holiday and a look see.

A friend was recently offered a post in Aus , but has turned it down

WHAT A WASTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried to shoot him but missed.

Asta La Vista Baby.

Adios Amigos

David

 

Thanks admin

Hey Admin

Thanks for that sorry I misunderstood I thought you were saying $35k was acceptable as a basic salary and then to be made to slug your guts out for 50k Max when the reality is most people who have a low salary like this are on 20 - 30% commission......Now I understand.

As we all know even a fresh Grad can expect over $40k in a decent establishment for heavens sake.

DAVOhorn I wish you luck with your endeavours to come to Australia.....Both Australia and NZ are great places and need talented staff I have worked in both places, Recently I came to NZ and love it here.

Hope you enjoy your trip to Spain (Apparently there is a shortage of Pods there) and thanks for sparking off such an interesting debate.

 

Hola!

Please do not give up! Are you absolutely sure that your qualification is unacceptable to the APodC? I say this, because my (now defunct) pod school is not on their list; & at first I assumed that meant my qualifications were not acceptable, but I emailed on the off-chance, & sure enough they are fine! (They even gave me the certificate to prove it!) The skills assessment alone cost over £300, & I think my visa application will come in over £1000 by the time I've paid for all of the costs incurred. However, I believe that if one really wants to do something, it will happen.

There are so many different types of visa for Australia, that there may well be one that you ARE eligible for. I met a woman over there (not a podiatrist) who thought she had no chance of getting a visa, until she contacted a registered migration agent (there are only 2 in this country registered with the Aus authorities) who managed to get her there! It may be that you have to go round the houses to do it, but the DIMIA are never gonna make it easy (trust me on that, I'm marrying an Aussie whose sister isn't even allowed to join the rest of her family over there!)! But if you do it, I'm sure you'll have the best time.

My boss had to sit the APodC exam a few years ago, he says it was very straightforward; you could combine it with a 'fact-finding' trip, to suss out any possible employers. I was offered a job (with sponsorship) after replying to an ad in a local newspaper! Any excuse for a trip to the Land of Oz is a good one, I reckon!

Best wishes

Sarah
PS Don't shoot me!

 

Hi there,
As a Podiatrist from the Uk i think it is laughable about the state of some of the salaries in Private Practice.I came over initially to work in Private practice and my basic was $36000 plus a car.The bonus system in operation was a joke. I earnt approx 100 dollars bonus in 3 months.I later discovered that the previous employee (an Aussie national) was paid $45000 a year plus a car.
I left my work place, not just because the salary was awful but because i had no clinical input, was shown no respect and was given all the nursing home work etc to do which involved extensive travelling and very poor conditions.
Thankfully i gained employment in the public sector with a far superior salary and am very much enjoying my life in Oz.I am the 3rd person from my Uk Uni to come over here to work as a Pod and i have found that Private Practice is always a risk initially.It is a long way to come to Oz so make sure you double check where you are going and more importantly the integrety of your employer!
Finally it does make me laugh how we are called lazy,whinging POMS if we aren't prepared to work like a dog for poor money just because we want to live the Aussie lifestyle.In my experience Aussies don't put up with crap pay so why should immigrants!No wonder there are skills shortages in practically every field!

 

Visa question

Rodney

Sounds like you had a nightmare.

Out of interest what sort visa had you come in to Australia on ? and how easy was it to change employers ? How were immigration to deal with ?

Would be very interested to know as this information may help a friend of mine.

 

Hi warrior,
It was relatively straight forward for me to change employers as i was in a rural area and i was being sponsored by a health service.Immigration are excellent if you are honest with them and inform them immediately if there are problems.I have had to apply for 3 visas now.I have just finished my skilled independent visa application which is to be processed soon.(you have to leave the country to get the permanant visa if you are here on another visa!-bizarre but true.)
For people thinking of coming to Oz as a Podiatrist i would definately recommend going for a "Skilled independent Visa" form sk47 which can be downloaded from the D.I.M.I.A website. It takes longer but you are then in control of the situation and if you have a rogue employer you can seek alternative employment.They also have a skills matching database which would be employers can access.Going for the independent visa is an arduous and pricey process but definately worth it.You don't have to provide much more info than you would for a skilled business temporary visa.All in all it has cost around $2300, approx 950 pound on top of the skills assessment etc.I did it all myself, it is not that hard.I personally would not bother paying for a Migration agent as they charge a lot of money for doing something that you can do yourself-that has been my experience.I was in the fortunate position of fitting all the desired criteria though.I came on my own so if you have family it may be slightly harder.I do have a friend who came over with her family etc and she did it all herself and came over on a permanant visa.
There have been some ups and downs but all in all i am very glad i have come to Oz.I learnt so much by working for a rogue.I realised that when i eventually start my own practice i will treat my employees really well,as happy staff are productive staff and they are likely to remain loyal.
One final quick point.I have never come across a bonus system that isn't tipped much more favouribly towards the employer than the employee. Are we not Health care professionals? Not salesman.I believe that if you are truly valued by your employer you will be paid a good basic wage.Bonus systems i believe cause a conflict of interest.If you work hard and are a credit to your employer and they are impressed they may give you a "surprise bonus".I have known that happen!That is just my opinion. Hope i have been of some help re; immigration
thanks
Rodney

 

Thanks Rodney

Rodney I think your helpful comments will help lots of potential migrants here. Anyway I would not worry about the Lazy comment made by someone earlier...Fairly obvious that it was an employer not a genuine employee posting me thinks.

 

I have worked in both countries (and several others too) and currently the price in the UK is pound per dollar. Very much cheaper to live in Australia by comparison but salaries are proportionately lower.

Interesting to note the comments on assisted immigration and sad to think these are factual. My colleagues are UK nurses and were interested in topic during tea break. The UK nursing associations (NMC and RCN) put a stop to this because of the unscrupulous recruitment of their members and now legally vet all overseas appointments, insisting in some cases if the job is advertised in UK journals it carries, UK rates.

There is someting for the Society of Chirpodists and Podiatrist and APod C to get together and work out.


Is that another pig in the sky?

Cameron
Hey. what would I know?

 

Vetting

Cameron

I think that vetting of appointments is a great idea because then the employee comming in to the in "demand" position will have some protection before signing on the dotted line.

Regards

Paul

 

Hi Paul

Clearly the nursing profession saw justification to use their professional association to extend their duty of care to protect labour movement. See no reason why podiatry would be any different.

It must be of concern to all that if fellow members trade outwith the law then the sooner that is exposed and eradicated the better a profession it would be.

I am so saddened each year to hear the horrendous stories some new graduates have tell about poor employers hell bent on exploitation. Thankfully it seems only a minority but all the more reason for professional autonomy. As a profession which does not always embrace new starts into the job situation (without exploitation) and continues to expect the universities to produce expert general practitioners I think we have a lot to learn from other industries.

Cameron
Hey, what do I know?