Returning to work at NHS - Pay/Holiday entitlements?

clare1angel

Hi there

I worked for the NHS as a Housekeeper from July 2002-March 2007 but then left to work in retail.
I have just returned to work for the NHS, again, as a Housekeeper this month and wondered if anyone on here knew what my entitlements are with regards to pay banding and holidays?
According to my contract I'm on bottom of Band 1 and my holidays are 27 days plus 8 Bank Holidays but I just wondered wether I might be entitled to more?
I also did NVQ's when I was there before so could that make a difference to where I get put on Band 1?
I know that it would be possible to find this out from Human Resources but just wanted to try and have a good idea myself - so that I can argue my case if there is one!!!

Thank you very much if anyone can help!

LittleVoice

I thought Band 1 was abolished wef April this year and the lowest rung is now in Band 2. Check this - as I understand it, anyone in Band 1 would now be in Band 2.

So, if you would have been in Band 1, your previous experience probably would mean that you wouldn't be at the bottom of that grade. However, because of the elimination of Band 1, the post would already be paying at least that at the bottom of Band 2 and might therefore not warrant an additional spinal point.

HR are the best people to advise you on this. Probably depends on how long you were in the NHS before as to whether it means you gain extra holiday earlier that someone starting completely new now.

ohreally

Check sec 12.3 of your terms and conditions handbook - previous service is counted towards annual leave entitlement.

A rep will be able to assist in resolving this issue.

http://www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/afc_service_handbook_aw_010708.pdf

clairec79

You get extra leave after 5 years service, so you may get the extra next year

LondonDiva

You get paid whatever the band is - if it's a band 2 job, you'll get paid the scale on a band two. Where on the scale you get paid depends on experiecnce, current salary etc - I always appoint on the bottom of the band unless the employee is a current NHS employee or has very recent equivalent complete years experience of the role - I ask for current payslips during the interview as well.

Allowances etc depend on how long the break in service was. I think after about 3 months, you lose the continous service and start again in accuring leave etc

ohreally

LondonDiva wrote: »

Allowances etc depend on how long the break in service was. I think after about 3 months, you lose the continous service and start again in accuring leave etc

Have a wee read through sec 12.

clare1angel

Hi all

Thank you all for your quick replies!
I've had a look at section 12 and I think it looks good for the holidays - so hopefully will get an extra 2 days next year!!!
As for the banding well Band 1 now only has 3 spines to it and Band 2 starts at the same amount as Band 1 but has more spines.
The courses I did were NVQ 1 and 2 in Cleaning (obviously being a Housekeeper!) and I know now it's all about the KSF - Knowledge Skills Framework - but wasn't sure wether the NVQ's would put me up the spine on Band 1 or even bottom of Band 2???
Thanks again for your help! :A

ohreally

clare1angel wrote: »

but wasn't sure wether the NVQ's would put me up the spine on Band 1 or even bottom of Band 2

It's the post that attracts the band therefore if you want a band two you will require to apply for a band two job.

Why not speak with a rep to see if you can negotiate a pro rata increase on your a/l and if you can negotiate some recognition of your previous service and experience for an increase within your current band?

clare1angel

Thanks ohreally for your help I'll get in touch with Human Resources this week and see what they say.

Thanks again! :A

ohreally

Discuss this with a union rep before going anywhere near HR. The rep will have your interests in mind, HR won't.

clare1angel

I'm not a member of Unison so don't think they will help me??!!
But I'll find out more next week.

Cheers :A