Increasing rates of immigration
The diversity of the UK increases through higher rates of immigration, thereby changing the needs of the population.
This results in higher rates of demand for bilingual services or SLT services in a patient’s mother tongue. SLTs may have to redouble their efforts to improve patient access in emerging immigrant communities, and design services to reflect changing demographics. SLT training may need to change to reflect the changing makeup of the communities they service.
Related Sectors Related Specialities
- Healthcare
- Social care
- Public health
- Allied health professionals
Related Themes Related Projects
Size of impact
Level of uncertainty
Proposed workforce impact
- Targeted recruitment for bilingual SLTs may be needed to cope with a more diverse demand.
- There may be expansion in demand for SLTs working in child services due to higher birth rates.
Sources or references
- www.migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/britains-70-million-debate/4-migration-non-eu-nationals-effects-recent-policy-changes-net-migration
- http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/ethnic-matters
Additional research questions
- What current methods are employed to service bilingual communities?
- What are the differing levels of need in different communities?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
