Pay and benefits in the NHS

The NHS - a rewarding place to work

There are few careers that are as rewarding as one in the NHS, or that give you the opportunity to work with such a variety of people.

We actively recruit people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. This helps us understand the different needs of the patients and provide the best possible service.

Whichever area you join, you become part of a talented, passionate team of people, committed to providing the best care and treatment to patients. You will also enjoy one of the most competitive and flexible benefits packages offered by any employer in the UK.

Benefits of working in the NHS

Everyone who joins the NHS is guaranteed a salary that matches their ability and responsibilities, and given every opportunity to increase it through training and development.

On top of your basic salary, you will receive at least 27 days’ holiday each year, plus a range of other benefits including occupational health and counselling services.

Pay and conditions

A new national pay system - Agenda for Change (AfC) - was introduced across the NHS in October 2004 for all directly employed staff except doctors and the most senior managers. The new pay system offers real benefits for staff including:

• a standard working week of 37.5 hours
• harmonised holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus eight general and public holidays, rising to 33 days after ten years’ service
• new pay enhancements to reward out of hours, shift and overtime working
• better career and pay progression based on the application of knowledge and skills
• annual personal development review to support career aspirations.

Other benefits of working in the NHS include training, occupational health services, automatic membership of the NHS Pension Scheme (unless you choose to opt out) and study leave for sponsored courses.

Join one of the UK’s best pension schemes

From 1 April 2008 there will be an updated NHS Pension Scheme for existing members and a new NHS Pension Scheme for anyone who joins after 1 April 2008. Every new employee automatically becomes a member and you will get an excellent package of pension benefits, fully protected against inflation and guaranteed by the government. For more details see the NHS Pensions website at www.pensions.nhsbsa.nhs.uk