Voluntary downgrading in NHS

bagpussbear

Hello, if there are any NHS folks here that could help please?

If you took a voluntary downgrade (agenda for change paybands) do you automatically get placed onto the top of the scale point for the Band below please?

eg. if a Band 6 person wants to take a Band 5 job, do they get placed on the maximum of the Band 5 payscale?

I know that happens for Civil Service, but unsure of NHS and can't seem to find this information easily on Google, so thanks in advance to anyone that might know!

LottieLou

I'm not much use as I don't know the answer to your question but i would be intriqued to know myself!

I am presuming the role would stay the same?

If there would be no change in responsibilities i.e. the same responsibilities that were outlined in the band 6 role, being continued in the band 5 role, I would presume that you would get placed on the top of the 5 payscale (and if not initially, there would be a negotiating tool here)

bluesnake

providing you are not in the overlap area, you get the highest of the band below, however for the next 3 or 5 years (can't remember which, but think it is 5) your pay stays at the same old level, but if your new band pay increased to more than your old level, you will then get the increase.

However downgrading is a bit mean on final salary pensions, as you have been paying a higher amount, but now that money is more or less lost.

GrannyKate

More questions than answers here.

If you are downgrading because you have been declared 'at risk' there will be a degree of protection in that your salary will probably be frozen at where you are until and if ever the lower band meets where you are on the higher band.

If you are nearing retirement and want to have a phased retirement with less pressured job then talk to HR and NHS pensions as there are ways and means to protect your pension.

If you have just decided that you would like a change of path or to work in another department then do not count on staying at your original pay. The post will have been assessed and funded at the Grade it has been advertised and money is very tight. You might be able to negotiate not starting at bottom of scale but I would not rely on it without asking first.

FBaby

Totally agree with GrannyKate, it will depend on what you mean by voluntary. If it is imposed, it is not voluntary and you will be protected. If you went for a job at a lower band although you were not at risk, then you will that will be a case of negotiation, but I too agree that it is unlikely to result in starting at the top.

bagpussbear

Thanks everyone, to give everyone a little bit of background:

I am 42, so not near retirement

I was 'at risk' and was successful at obtaining a band 6 role.

However, I hate the job, and if I am bluntly honest, I am not good enough to do it, I feel its out of my league. Therefore I want to downgrade voluntarily to a new band 5 role, I would rather take a pay cut and be happy, than to earn what I am and feeling sick every morning about going in.

Thank you everyone.

bluesnake

A hard one. I would rather apply for another position, or let them downgrade you, but if it effects you then I see your point.

FBaby

Are you saying you were slotted into a job which is the same band you currently are on? The rules of being slotted in means that your new job has to represent at least 51% of your previous one, so how can you expect to be out of your league in that role?

I think you will struggle to be offered a band 5 jobs at the top of the band if you voluntary apply for that job when you had a band 6, and the reason is because you don't think you could cope for that job (even if you don't tell them, they might assume it is the case). Is the new job within the same organisation?

Regardless of the answer, you have nothing to lose by negotiating on the basis that it not common to be offered a job higher than the first band, but there are no NHS rules that say it can't happen.