NHS Banding Question....

rainbowdust33

Hi guys, I've worked for the NHS for just under 3 years now, in 2 different jobs (one for just under 2 years and the one I'm in now for a year).

Both jobs were through agencies. My current job is a band 4 position (that is finishing in the next few months), and I have an interview for a permanent band 3 NHS job soon (not where I work now, for a different service I really want to work for, that is related to my degree).

In the job advertisement, it states this:
"Please note that upon appointment, new starters will commence at the bottom of the relevant pay band until any previous NHS service has been verified."
as I think all NHS jobs probably do.

Will I be classed as a 'new starter' as they put it, as I have never been a permanent NHS employee, or even though I've been employed through an agency, do you think they will take my current band into account?

The reason I'm worried about it, is as the job is further away from where I work now, the drop in pay to go down to the bottom of a band 3 would really affect me, paying the extra petrol money to get to work aswell, and if I was offered the job at the lowest band 3 point I don't think I would be able to accept it.

I'm hoping as I've been in a band 4 position for a year now, if I was to get the band 3 job it would be at the higher end of the scale?

Also, would I be cheeky asking about this at the interview? I feel like if I said anything it would put them off and make them think I'm greedy, when really its going to be the factor that decided if I take the job or not (that is if I am offered it obviously!)

Could anyone help me with any advice on this??
Thanks

RexBanner

I can't help with the spcifics of NHS banding, but it is entirely legitimate to ask about how it would affect you before accepting, although I'd be inclined to wait until offered the job as you'd be in a stronger negotiating position.

Whether your agency experience counts is a straight question which they would expect to be asked by someone in your sutuation.

Also, weigh-up how secure your current job is when making teh decision. Good luck.

Tupperware_Queen

the manager who does the interview probably won't know the answer to your question, you need to ring the HR department. I dropped from a higher band to a lower, and went in at the top of the lower band, but that was within the same trust, so not sure if that was relevant.

anamenottaken

Owing to the cuts* in NHS spending, there is every need for them to find reasons for appointing at the bottom of the payscale for anyone who does not have NHS service. You do not have NHS service (ie service that would count towards a period of continuous employment within the NHS) though you may have worked in the NHS continuously for 3 years.

If you are offered the position, ask about how your work for the NHS would affect the starting point. If the Band 4 job is similar to the Band 3 one, it may be that the experience would count for something. However, you cannot rely on that. I also feel there is some "Band deflation" going on in the NHS at the moment.


* The Government may say the NHS budget is not cut but the people on the ground know that they are being asked to provide more for less.

picasso2

Previous NHS service is usually classed as an NHS contract. Where I work agency work within the NHS does not count. I would definatley ask, as an interviewer I have answered pay related questions before in interviews. Its not an issue and its better you know where you stand. I would hate to appoint somebody and them give back word because it turns out pay and conditions don't suit.

Does the advert give a contact for somebody to ring and ask questions ? If its on NHS jobs it should , I would ask these questions before even applying myself.

rainbowdust33

Thanks everyone for writing back

@RexBanner - I totally agree, with my current job not being secure, this is why I have applied for a job that is a band lower than I'm on now. My only worry is I wouldn't be able to accept the job on the lowest level band 3, as it wouldn't cover my living expenses (extra petrol, lodge, food).

@anamenottaken - I would disagree, and say that I do have NHS service, being in one position for just under 2 years, and my current role for a year, and as temporary workers are supposed to be treated as equals to permanent staff. Yes I think you are right in that I should wait to see if I get offered the position, and then question the starting point. The strange thing is, the band 3 job (the new one I'm being interviewed for) looking at the job spec, you would actually think was higher than my current band 4, as its quite specific, and has more responsibilities than my current one!

@picasso2 - Yes there is a contact to ring and ask questions, but like I said I don't want to appear greedy. I think its something I will bring up if I get offered the job. Also I think going for the interview all adds to experience, so I would still like to go.


I didn't mention before, but the job advert actually was advertising two positions - they are looking for two full time people. And the job role is quite specific (relates to my degree) and I live in a very small town, and the job is in another very small town, so I don't think they will have applicants that have the same qualifications that I do, so maybe this will be taken into consideration.

rainbowdust33

Tupperware_Queen wrote: »

the manager who does the interview probably won't know the answer to your question, you need to ring the HR department. I dropped from a higher band to a lower, and went in at the top of the lower band, but that was within the same trust, so not sure if that was relevant.

Hi, thanks for writing back Do you mean contact the HR department now, or when I find out if I have been offered the job?

Person_one

Don't do anything until you've been offered the job. Concentrate on impressing at the interview first!

catecreed

I work in HR in the NHS and I think it is perfectly acceptable to query although given the current climate they may be slightly wary to employ someone who will cost more so make sure you let them know that although you feel your current experience and skills would warrant a higher point on your banding you understand and accept the procedures that need to be followed and that you will still be interested in the role if not possible (obviously only if you actually are!) Hope this helps!

rainbowdust33

catecreed wrote: »

I work in HR in the NHS and I think it is perfectly acceptable to query although given the current climate they may be slightly wary to employ someone who will cost more so make sure you let them know that although you feel your current experience and skills would warrant a higher point on your banding you understand and accept the procedures that need to be followed and that you will still be interested in the role if not possible (obviously only if you actually are!) Hope this helps!

Thank you for posting!
Do you mean after the interview, if I am offered the position?
This is a good way of wording the issue so thank you!

catecreed

I think it would be fine at interview as it is better to be upfront straight away on your positioning. Although it is tough times they will still understand having less money is something you will be worried about if they are going to be a good manager! Glad I could help