NHS job offer; advice please regarding salary negotiation

pinksprout

Good evening

I have been verbally offered a NHS clerical job but have not yet discussed salary. The bottom of the pay scale is too low for me to accept but as I have not worked for the NHS before I suspect that this is the level I will be offered.

I have been advised that HR will be in touch to organise CRB checks and to request proof of ID etc but I don't know if initial contact from them will be in writing or by telephone. If I am likely to receive a letter confirming the job offer and the salary I am wondering whether to pre-empt the anticipated low pay scale offer by calling HR tomorrow to discuss the matter? The alternative is to wait and see what salary I am offered but I figure that it will be more difficult to negotiate pay after a written salary offer has been made?

I hope I have been clear; shall I phone HR to discuss the salary or wait for a written offer or maybe a phone call from them? I'd be grateful for any advice.

Thank you.

stuckinmyflat

i work for the NHS i didnt go in on the bottom of the pay scale when i started, it depended on my previous experience. but i know that pay structures have become more strict after the agenda for change came in. no harm in phoning and asking, atleast you will know where you stand.

LondonDiva

You negotiate the salary with the recruiting maanger as they will tell HR what to do re pay etc. Is the bottom of the scale lower than your current salary? If so, bring this up as, following proof, they will put you on the next point up. However, bear in mind unless they are really desperate or were v impressed by you, they will not bump up the salary.

My mum would also point out that there's no harm in asking, but be prepared to be graious if you get a negative response.

firesidemaid

consider the other 'benefits' of working in the nhs, not just the salary.

usually start with at least 25-27 days off per annum plus paid bank holidays, plus pension scheme and paid sick leave etc.

i'd also reiterate negotiating slary with your interviewer/future manager. are you able to bring anything different/extra skills to your new role that you can offer as such?

pinksprout

Thank you all very much for your replies.

I received a provisional job offer in the post today enclosing a CRB form and health questionnaire which I have to return to HR by hand along with proof of ID etc. As the letter did not provide details of the salary I imagine that I will have the opportunity to discuss the pay banding when I drop off the forms.

I guess there is no harm in taking a confident and optimistic approach to negotiations ... whilst retaining realistic expectations!

I appreciate your advice. Thank you again.

moneysavingperson_2

Just to add as I am a recruiting manager within the NHS.

We would very very rarely appoint someone above the bottom of the scale in out Trust unless they had prior NHS experience to a point in the scale above that, especially when we are in a situation requiring huge budget cuts. The only occasions I have seen this done even in better financial times were with staff with specialist skills that we would have trouble recruiting good candidates for otherwise.

I don't mean to put a dampener on things, and it's definitely worth an ask, but try not to be too disappointed if they come back and say no.

pinksprout

moneysavingperson wrote: »

Just to add as I am a recruiting manager within the NHS.

We would very very rarely appoint someone above the bottom of the scale in out Trust unless they had prior NHS experience to a point in the scale above that, especially when we are in a situation requiring huge budget cuts. The only occasions I have seen this done even in better financial times were with staff with specialist skills that we would have trouble recruiting good candidates for otherwise.

I don't mean to put a dampener on things, and it's definitely worth an ask, but try not to be too disappointed if they come back and say no.

Thank you very much for replying moneysavingperson. It's obviously not what I wanted to hear but I am anticipating that this will be the case. The job is just a part-time Band 2 clerical post so the starting salary for the band is frankly dire. When I factor is travelling expenses for 16 hours per week over three days ... well enough said!

Thank you again.

p1tse

if it's all done by banding, do you know what the banding goes to in terms of £.

why take it if it's lower than what you expect, want, current etc.?

however i appreciate travel cost is a huge factor these days

SevenOfNine

Would be fairer to phone to discuss starting salary sooner rather than later - particularly as you don't want the job on the bottom of the pay scale. They will be moving forward with CRB check, reference checks, rejection letters/calls to the other candidates etc.

Sounds as if they verbally offered you the post and you verbally accepted it - that was the time to ask exactly what the starting salary was and if there was any room for negotiation.

What I always think you should remember is that if you don't take this job you may meet one of your interviewers again when applying anywhere, anytime, any place........so best to give the best impression you can - and that includes when turning a job down (and it looks like that's what you're likely to do in this instance).

I wonder when their pay awards are, you might get off the bottom rung sooner than having to wait a whole year?

ManicMum

I worked in NHS a few years back and was A&C Grade 5. I was appointed to a post at the same time as someone else doing the same job. I was offered a salary on first point above the minimum as I had previous experience in NHS. However, my colleague was put straight in at top of the scale because he had to commute 40 miles. Myself and other colleagues were quite aggrieved at this. Was it our fault he was applying for job out of his geographical area? I think it should be a standardised system and not open to negotiation.

LittleVoice

pinksprout wrote: »

The job is just a part-time Band 2 clerical post so the starting salary for the band is frankly dire.

Full time pay is £13,653 at bottom of Band 2 unless you are in London (Inner, Outer or Fringe). Pay rates increase on 1 April 2011.