Speech and Language Therapist Salary: NHS Pay Bands, Progression and How to Become
NHS speech and language therapists (also called speech therapists) earn £32,073 to £64,750 a year in 2026/27 under Agenda for Change. Newly qualified SLTs start on Band 5 at £32,073, and most experienced clinicians reach Band 6 or Band 7 (£39,959–£56,515).
| Band | Entry point | Top point | Typical SLT role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | £32,073 | £39,043 | Newly qualified SLT |
| Band 6 | £39,959 | £48,117 | Specialist SLT |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | £56,515 | Highly specialist SLT or team lead |
| Band 8a | £57,528 | £64,750 | Clinical lead |
What Is an NHS Speech and Language Therapist?
An NHS Speech and Language Therapist is a qualified allied health professional employed by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. NHS Speech and Language Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing communication disorders and difficulties with eating, drinking, and swallowing. NHS SLTs work with both children and adults, addressing a range of issues from developmental language disorders to conditions resulting from neurological impairments.
The primary purpose of an NHS Speech and Language Therapist is to provide care for individuals affected by speech, language, voice, fluency, or dysphagia issues. NHS SLTs work in multidisciplinary teams alongside teachers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists to deliver coordinated care. NHS Speech and Language Therapists operate in settings such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and clients' homes, providing matched support for each patient's individual needs.
Key characteristics of NHS Speech and Language Therapists include mandatory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and entry-level employment at NHS Band 5 for newly qualified therapists. The profession holds shortage occupation status in the UK, reflecting high demand. Speech and language therapy combines scientific knowledge of language, psychology, and medicine with strong interpersonal skills to improve patients' quality of life and communication abilities.
What Does an NHS Speech and Language Therapist Do?
An NHS Speech and Language Therapist provides services to individuals with communication, eating, and swallowing difficulties. NHS Speech and Language Therapists work with a broad range of patients, including children with learning difficulties, sound production issues, hearing impairments, cleft lip and palate, stammering, voice disorders, selective mutism, and developmental language disorders. For adults, NHS SLTs address challenges resulting from neurological impairments, stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, mental health issues, and physical disabilities.
Key responsibilities of NHS Speech and Language Therapists include conducting individual assessments, setting personalised goals, and delivering therapy sessions. NHS SLTs run workshops for parents and carers and collaborate with other healthcare practitioners. Their work involves supporting patients recovering from severe head injuries to regain speech abilities, helping young people with social communication difficulties, and providing feeding support for those with dysphagia. NHS Speech and Language Therapists maintain detailed clinical documentation, manage referrals, and work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to improve patients' quality of life through better communication and swallowing function.
What Is the Difference Between a Speech and Language Therapist and a Speech Therapist?
A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is a healthcare professional who provides full support for both speech and language disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties. In the UK, 'speech therapist' is the everyday name for a speech and language therapist (SLT), and both titles describe the same HCPC-registered profession. In the United States the same role is called a speech-language pathologist (SLP), so a UK speech-language pathologist salary means NHS SLT pay on Agenda for Change Bands 5 to 8a. NHS SLTs assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of communication issues, including articulation, fluency, and voice disorders. NHS SLTs are officially recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.
Speech Therapist is the informal, older name for the same role, and some people still associate it mainly with speech production. In practice, a speech therapist and a speech and language therapist do the same job, which also covers language comprehension, social communication, and swallowing. The modern preference is to use Speech and Language Therapist because the title reflects the full range of services provided.
How Much Does an NHS Speech and Language Therapist Earn?
An NHS speech and language therapist earns £32,073 to £64,750 a year in 2026/27, from Band 5 for newly qualified clinicians to Band 8a for clinical leads. In plain terms, a speech therapist salary in the NHS is typically £39,959 to £56,515 at Band 6 or Band 7, set by the Agenda for Change pay bands.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Band 5 Salary
A Band 5 speech and language therapist earns £32,073 to £39,043 in 2026/27, which is the starting salary for newly qualified SLTs. That works out at about £16.40 to £19.97 an hour on a 37.5-hour week, and the Band 5 pay points rise after 2 and 4 years. Band 5 roles focus on building clinical skills and gaining experience across settings including hospitals and community clinics. Progression within Band 5 is based on experience and performance, leading to potential advancement to higher bands.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Band 6 Salary
A Band 6 speech and language therapist earns £39,959 to £48,117 a year in 2026/27, or about £20.44 to £24.61 an hour on a 37.5-hour week. Most SLTs reach Band 6 after 18–24 months as a newly qualified Band 5 clinician, and the full Band 6 pay scale applies. Band 6 therapists may specialise in areas such as paediatrics, dysphagia, or complex communication needs. Band 6 roles involve managing caseloads, supervising junior staff, and leading specialist services. Salary progression within Band 6 follows incremental increases based on experience and continued service, allowing for financial growth without moving to a higher band.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Band 7 Salary
A Band 7 speech and language therapist earns £49,387 to £56,515 a year in 2026/27, about £25.26 to £28.90 an hour. Band 7 posts are usually team leads or highly specialist clinicians; see the full senior speech and language therapist salary guide for Band 7 and 8a progression. Band 7 therapists manage complex caseloads, provide supervision to junior staff, and lead specialist service areas such as dysphagia or neuro-rehabilitation. Band 7 positions require substantial post-qualification experience and specialised knowledge in their field. In high-cost areas like London, additional geographical allowances, known as London weighting, can raise the salary further.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Band 8a Salary
A Band 8a speech and language therapist earns £57,528 to £64,750 a year in 2026/27, about £29.42 to £33.11 an hour. Band 8a is the clinical lead grade, where SLTs run a specialist service such as adult dysphagia or paediatric community therapy, and the Band 8a scale has three pay points. NHS Speech and Language Therapists at Band 8a manage complex cases, lead teams, and contribute to service development and strategic planning. Band 8a roles are filled by therapists who have progressed through Bands 5 to 7, acquiring broad experience and advanced qualifications.
What Band Is an NHS Speech and Language Therapist?
A newly qualified NHS speech and language therapist starts on Band 5 (£32,073 in 2026/27), and SLTs then progress through Band 6 and Band 7 up to Band 8a. NHS Speech and Language Therapists are classified into pay bands ranging from Band 5 to Band 8a under the Agenda for Change framework. As NHS SLTs gain experience and take on more specialised roles, they progress to Band 6 and Band 7, where salaries increase to reflect higher responsibilities and knowledge. Highly specialised or senior management roles fall under Band 8a, offering salaries that reflect advanced clinical skills and leadership duties. The band for a given NHS Speech and Language Therapist depends on experience, qualifications, and the complexity of their clinical caseload.
What Is the NHS Speech and Language Therapist Pay Scale for 2026/27?
The NHS Speech and Language Therapist pay scale for 2026/27 is structured under the Agenda for Change framework, which organises salaries into bands based on experience and role complexity. NHS SLTs start at Band 5, with salaries ranging from £32,073 to £39,043 a year. As NHS Speech and Language Therapists gain experience and move into more specialised roles, they progress to Band 6 (£39,959 to £48,117), Band 7 (£49,387 to £56,515) and Band 8a (£57,528 to £64,750).
The 2026/27 pay scale reflects adjustments for inflation and workforce demands, recognising speech and language therapy as a shortage profession. A structured approach confirms consistent compensation across NHS trusts in England, with added supplements for high-cost areas like London. Incremental pay points within each band reward experience and performance, supporting career development and retention in this healthcare field.
How Is NHS Speech and Language Therapist Pay Determined by Agenda for Change?
NHS Speech and Language Therapist pay is determined by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, the standard framework used across the NHS for non-medical staff. AfC organises roles into pay bands based on responsibilities, skills, and experience. NHS Speech and Language Therapists start at Band 5 on qualification and can progress to higher bands, such as Band 6 or Band 7, as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
The Agenda for Change framework confirms transparent and consistent pay across the NHS. Each band contains incremental pay points that allow NHS SLTs to receive annual pay increases based on length of service and satisfactory performance. Additional allowances, such as London weighting or high-cost area supplements, may apply depending on the location of employment.
How Much Did NHS Speech and Language Therapist Pay Rise in 2026?
NHS speech and language therapist pay rose by 3.3% from 1 April 2026 under the 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay award for England. The award lifted Band 5 entry pay from £31,049 to £32,073 and Band 6 entry pay by £1,277 to £39,959.
How Does NHS Speech and Language Therapist Pay Progression Work?
NHS Speech and Language Therapist pay progression operates within the Agenda for Change framework, which structures career advancement through defined pay bands. Newly qualified therapists start at Band 5, earning between £32,073 and £39,043 annually. As NHS SLTs gain experience and develop specialised skills, they can progress to higher bands such as Band 6 and Band 7. Each band offers a higher salary range reflecting greater clinical knowledge and responsibilities.
Within each pay band, progression occurs through incremental pay points. NHS Speech and Language Therapists receive annual salary increases while remaining in the same band, rewarding years of service. Moving to a higher band requires NHS SLTs to demonstrate acquired competencies, experience, and often additional qualifications. Progression may include developing knowledge in areas like dysphagia or mental health, or taking on supervisory roles. The Agenda for Change system confirms transparent and standardised pay progression across NHS organisations.
What Are NHS Speech and Language Therapist Incremental Pay Points?
NHS Speech and Language Therapist incremental pay points are structured annual salary increases within each Agenda for Change (AfC) band. Incremental pay points allow NHS SLTs to advance through their current band's salary range through regular pay rises, on an annual basis, until reaching the top of the band's scale. Each AfC band contains multiple pay points, and NHS Speech and Language Therapists move to the next point each year based on satisfactory performance and completion of 12 months of service at their current pay point. Incremental pay points confirm predictable salary growth without requiring promotion to a higher band, providing financial progression as NHS SLTs gain experience within their role.
How Do NHS Speech and Language Therapists Move From Band 5 to Band 6?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists move from Band 5 to Band 6 through a combination of experience, skill improvement, and formal application. Band 5 to Band 6 progression is not automatic and requires the therapist to apply for available Band 6 positions.
- Skill Improvement: NHS Speech and Language Therapists must demonstrate advanced clinical skills and increased autonomy in decision-making. Band 6 progression involves handling more complex caseloads and acquiring specialist knowledge in areas such as paediatrics or dysphagia.
- Leadership and Supervision: Taking on leadership responsibilities, such as supervising junior staff or students, supports Band 6 applications. Continuous professional development activities strengthen the case for Band 6 roles.
- Formal Application Process: The move to Band 6 requires applying for vacancies through a competitive interview process. Candidates must demonstrate Band 6-level competencies, including advanced clinical reasoning and involvement in service development.
This structured progression confirms that NHS Speech and Language Therapists moving to Band 6 hold the skills and experience to manage increased responsibilities.
How Do NHS Speech and Language Therapists Move From Band 6 to Band 7?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists progress from Band 6 to Band 7 by demonstrating advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Band 6 to Band 7 progression requires NHS SLTs to apply for available Band 7 positions, which involve greater responsibilities such as specialist clinical duties, team leadership, and service development. A successful move takes an SLT onto Band 7 pay of £49,387 to £56,515. To qualify, NHS Speech and Language Therapists must show evidence of advanced specialist knowledge in areas like paediatrics, dysphagia, or learning disabilities. NHS SLTs need to demonstrate clinical leadership, autonomous decision-making, and involvement in service improvement. Many NHS Speech and Language Therapists pursue additional qualifications and specialised training to strengthen their applications. Band 7 progression includes managing complex caseloads and contributing to policy development.
How Much Do NHS Speech and Language Therapists Earn for Unsocial Hours?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists receive additional compensation for working unsocial hours. Unsocial hours fall outside standard 8 am to 8 pm weekday shifts and include nights, weekends, and public holidays. Under the NHS Agenda for Change framework, pay uplifts for unsocial hours are calculated as a percentage of the basic hourly rate. For SLTs on Bands 5 to 8a, the rates are:
- Saturdays and weekday nights (8pm–6am): time plus 30%.
- Sundays and bank holidays: time plus 60%.
Most NHS speech and language therapists work weekday daytime hours, so weekend work is uncommon; it mainly applies to SLTs covering acute stroke and dysphagia services in hospitals, where those enhancements are paid.
These uplifts are designed to incentivise flexible working patterns and confirm that care is provided across NHS settings.
Do NHS Speech and Language Therapists Get London Weighting?
Yes — NHS speech and language therapists working in or near London receive High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) on top of their band salary. A Band 6 speech and language therapist in Inner London earns £47,951 or more, because Inner London HCAS adds 20% to basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,745).
| Zone | HCAS rate | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | 20% | £5,794 | £8,745 |
| Outer London | 15% | £4,870 | £6,137 |
| Fringe | 5% | £1,346 | £2,271 |
Outer London adds 15% and the fringe 5%, so the same Band 6 SLT earns about £45,953 in Outer London and £41,957 in the fringe. Our NHS London weighting guide lists which trusts fall in each zone.
How to Calculate NHS Speech and Language Therapist Take-Home Pay
Calculating the take-home pay for an NHS Speech and Language Therapist involves a series of deductions from the gross salary. Follow these steps to determine the net amount received monthly.
Step 1: Identify Gross Salary
Begin by determining your gross salary, which is based on your NHS Agenda for Change band. A Band 5 therapist earns between £32,073 and £39,043 annually.
Step 2: Calculate Taxable Income
Subtract the Personal Allowance from your gross salary to find your taxable income. The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570, meaning income above this threshold is subject to tax.
Step 3: Deduct Income Tax
Apply the appropriate tax rate to your taxable income. The basic rate is 20% for earnings up to £50,270. Calculate the tax owed and subtract it from your gross salary.
Step 4: Subtract National Insurance Contributions
Calculate employee National Insurance contributions, which are 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. Deduct this amount from your salary.
Step 5: Account for Pension Contributions
Deduct NHS pension contributions, which range from 5.2% to 12.5% of pensionable pay in 2026/27 depending on your earnings tier. This deduction matters for long-term financial planning.
Step 6: Compute Net Pay
Subtract all deductions, including any student loan repayments if applicable, from your gross salary. Divide the result by 12 to find your monthly take-home pay. This final figure represents the amount deposited into your account each month.
What Deductions Come Off an NHS Speech and Language Therapist Payslip?
An NHS Speech and Language Therapist payslip includes several standard deductions. Deductions on an NHS Speech and Language Therapist payslip include Income Tax, calculated based on individual earnings and tax code. National Insurance contributions are deducted, funding state benefits and the NHS. NHS SLTs enrolled in the NHS Pension scheme have pension contributions deducted automatically, with the percentage varying according to the salary band. Additional deductions can include student loan repayments where applicable, union subscriptions for professional bodies like the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, and salary sacrifice schemes such as NHS car lease schemes or childcare vouchers.
How Does NHS Speech and Language Therapist Pay Compare to NHS Occupational Therapist Pay?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists and NHS Occupational Therapists receive equivalent salaries under the same NHS pay banding system. Both professions start at Band 5, with salaries ranging from £32,073 to £39,043 in England. In Inner London, Band 5 starting salaries rise to £38,488 with HCAS. As both professions advance through the same pay bands, up to Band 8a and beyond, any salary differences arise from factors like geographic location, specialisation, and experience, rather than the profession itself.
What Are the Different Types of NHS Speech and Language Therapist?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists work across multiple specialisms to address a range of communication and swallowing disorders. The main types are Paediatric SLT, Adult SLT, Dysphagia Specialist, Learning Disability SLT, and Deaf and Hearing Impairment Specialist. The different types of NHS Speech and Language Therapist are listed below.
Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
Paediatric Speech and Language Therapists focus on children and young people from birth to 19 years, including those with developmental language disorders, stammering, speech sound production issues, cleft lip and palate, and selective mutism. Paediatric SLTs work in settings such as schools and early years centres, using play-based therapy for younger children and supporting children with conditions like autism and Down syndrome.
Adult Speech and Language Therapist
Adult Speech and Language Therapists assist adults experiencing communication challenges due to neurological impairments, degenerative diseases, mental health conditions, or physical disabilities. Adult SLTs provide therapy in hospitals, community settings, and patients' homes, managing complex caseloads that include conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, and dementia.
Dysphagia Specialist
A Dysphagia Specialist is a speech and language therapist who concentrates on swallowing disorders, assessing and managing risks for patients across all age groups, including those recovering from stroke or treatment for head and neck cancer. Dysphagia Specialists use videofluoroscopy and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and work with dietitians in acute hospital settings and rehabilitation centres to prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition.
Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapist
Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapists support children and adults with learning disabilities and related communication challenges. Learning Disability SLTs deliver interventions in community homes, schools, and inpatient units, often working at Band 6 level.
Deaf and Hearing Impairment Specialist
Deaf and Hearing Impairment Specialists work with children and young people who have hearing impairments, supporting their speech, language, and communication development. Deaf and Hearing Impairment Specialists work with individuals from birth to age 19, focusing on effective interaction and language acquisition.
What Type of NHS Speech and Language Therapist Gets Paid the Most?
Specialist and senior-level NHS Speech and Language Therapists receive the highest salaries. These roles fall within Band 8a, which includes highly specialised clinical leads, advanced practitioners, and service managers. Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapists can earn between £57,528 and £64,750 annually. Band 8a positions require broad experience, advanced specialisation, and leadership responsibilities. NHS Speech and Language Therapists working in London may also receive Inner London HCAS of 20% (up to £8,745), raising total compensation further.
What are the Key Responsibilities of NHS Speech and Language Therapists?
The main responsibilities of NHS Speech and Language Therapists are listed below.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapists conduct full assessments to identify communication difficulties associated with learning disabilities. NHS SLTs diagnose issues related to speech, language, and swallowing.
- Individualised Therapy Plans: NHS Speech and Language Therapists develop personalised therapy plans that incorporate alternative and augmentative communication methods. Plans may include visual supports and simplified language strategies to improve communication.
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: Learning Disability SLTs work with families, carers, and other professionals, including educational staff, to create communication-friendly environments. Collaboration confirms that clients can participate in daily life, education, and social interactions.
- Skill Development for Independence: NHS Speech and Language Therapists provide practical, individualised therapy delivered in real-world settings. The goal is to help individuals build skills for daily interactions and promote greater independence.
Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapists contribute substantially to maximising the communication potential and quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities. Their work is in high demand across speech and language therapy services.
How to Become an NHS Speech and Language Therapist
Becoming an NHS Speech and Language Therapist follows a structured educational and professional path. The steps to qualify as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist are listed below.
Meet Academic Entry Requirements
Begin by securing five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English and science subjects. Follow this with two or three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC or a science-based access course.
Complete an Approved Degree Programme
Enrol in a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Language Therapy, which spans three to four years. Candidates with a related first degree can instead pursue a two-year postgraduate Master's course.
Consider a Degree Apprenticeship
A degree apprenticeship combines academic learning and paid work experience. Tuition costs are covered by the employer and government, providing a cost-effective pathway to qualification.
Gain Practical Experience Through Placements
During university studies, undertake mandatory clinical placements. Placements provide hands-on experience with both adult and paediatric populations across multiple healthcare settings.
Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
On completing your degree, apply for registration with the HCPC. HCPC registration is required to practise legally as a speech and language therapist within the NHS.
Apply for NHS Band 5 Positions
Once qualified and registered, apply for entry-level Band 5 positions within the NHS. Band 5 is where the professional career begins, with opportunities for further specialisation and advancement.
These steps provide a full pathway to becoming an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, confirming both academic and practical readiness for the profession.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an NHS Speech and Language Therapist?
To become an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, an HCPC-approved degree in speech and language therapy is required. Entry requires two or three A levels and relevant GCSEs. Candidates with a related first degree can pursue a two-year master's course in speech and language therapy instead.
How Long Does It Take to Qualify as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist?
Qualifying as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist takes three to four years via a standard undergraduate degree in speech and language therapy. Candidates with a related first degree can complete a two-year postgraduate master's course. Both pathways include practical placement experience, confirming that students gain hands-on clinical skills before entering the profession.
What Is the NHS Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship?
The NHS Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship is a degree-level apprenticeship that combines part-time work with academic study, enabling individuals to qualify as speech and language therapists while earning a salary. NHS Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeships provide an alternative to traditional degree programmes, offering practical work experience alongside theoretical learning. Funded by NHS employers and the government, the apprenticeship covers tuition costs, excluding traditional student grants, and allows apprentices to gain clinical experience from the outset. Many apprentices start as support staff, so the speech and language therapy assistant salary on Bands 2–4 is often their pay while training begins.
What Is HCPC Registration for NHS Speech and Language Therapists?
HCPC registration is a mandatory credential for NHS Speech and Language Therapists, confirming they meet professional standards. HCPC registration, governed by the Health and Care Professions Council, verifies that NHS SLTs hold the qualifications and competencies to practise in the UK. Registration requires completion of an HCPC-approved degree in speech and language therapy, safeguarding patient care and maintaining the profession's standards. Without HCPC registration, individuals cannot legally practise as speech and language therapists within the NHS.
Where Do NHS Speech and Language Therapists Work?
NHS Speech and Language Therapists work across a range of settings to address varied patient needs. NHS SLTs are employed in healthcare, education, and community environments. The main locations where NHS Speech and Language Therapists work are listed below.
- Hospitals and Health Centres: NHS SLTs provide acute and ongoing care for inpatients and outpatients with communication, eating, and swallowing difficulties.
- Schools and Nurseries: NHS Speech and Language Therapists assist children with developmental needs, focusing on speech and language challenges in educational contexts.
- Private Clinics and Nursing Homes: NHS SLTs offer specialised services to elderly patients or those with rehabilitation needs.
- Community Settings: NHS Speech and Language Therapists provide home-based therapy, working directly in clients' homes.
- Specialised Locations: NHS SLTs operate in settings such as courtrooms, prisons, universities, and research centres to address specific communication requirements.
These settings allow NHS Speech and Language Therapists to support patients across multiple life stages and health conditions.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Hospital Settings
NHS Speech and Language Therapists in hospital settings diagnose and treat patients with communication and swallowing disorders. NHS SLTs in hospitals work across departments including acute stroke units, neurology, and intensive care wards. NHS Speech and Language Therapists in hospital settings work in multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated care. NHS SLTs assess conditions resulting from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and post-surgical complications, providing timely interventions to support recovery and discharge planning.
NHS Speech and Language Therapist Community Settings
NHS Speech and Language Therapists in community settings provide services outside of hospital environments. Community NHS SLTs work in locations such as schools, community health centres, children's centres, clients' homes, and specialised community clinics. NHS Speech and Language Therapists in community settings deliver care to patients with speech, language, communication, and swallowing difficulties, confirming accessible support within local areas. Community NHS SLTs work with families, schools, and other community practitioners to offer whole-patient, patient-centred care in familiar settings.
Is NHS Speech and Language Therapy a Shortage Profession?
Yes, NHS Speech and Language Therapy is a shortage profession. Shortage status reflects high vacancy rates, including 23% across UK services. Shortages have created gaps, particularly in community services for children, as noted by the NHS Confederation and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.