Complementary, traditional and natural healthcare workers contribute to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of millions of people in the UK. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have been unable to carry out consultations in person, although some have supported clients remotely where possible. 

Following the government's statement of 23rd June, these healthcare workers still cannot return to work. There is no logic or science behind the government’s policy. It is unfair and inconsistent, and means that this valuable sector of the healthcare workforce remains undervalued and underused.

The government has let physiotherapists and podiatrists return to work. Both have a similar mode of practice and comparable risk to the complementary healthcare industry. Hairdressers and barbers, who provide close contact services within the high-risk zone, have also been told that they too can return to work.

The government must take advice from the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative and its member organisations, change its policy to one based on risk and science, and let complementary, traditional and natural healthcare workers back to work now.