Under the new NHS payscale will I reach top of my band's pay at start of 2nd year in the job??

Autumn86

Hello, I know this question is quite specific to the NHS, but hopefully someone here will know the answer-

I start a new job tomorrow, working for the NHS.
I will be starting as Band 3, and so the salary is only 22k per year.

The new payscale information published by the NHS a few weeks ago though states that pay-bands will be reduced down to just 2 levels (rather than the current 6 levels), and you will move up a level after 1 year of employment in that role.

The top level of pay for Band 3 is just under 25k,
but so does that mean that under the new NHS payscale I will start tomorrow on 22k, spend year 1 on 22k salary, but then next September after I've done 1 year in the position I will automatically progress to the 2nd band (top band) and be on 25k salary?


I have read through all the stuff published by the NHS regarding the new payscale, but they have worded it in a very incomprehensible manner for some wierd reason, and so it's hard to ascertain clarity from what they have published.

Comms69

Tbh I think it will be next April; but I’m not clear either sorry.

Pay scales typically go up in apr when new financial year starts.

Doodles

Here's the pay journey tool which I hope is helpful

http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/2018-contract-refresh/pay-journey-tool

tizerbelle

Short answer, No. The reduction of the bands will not complete until year 2020/21 (for most of the bands) - some wont finish till 2021/22.

BUT are you sure you are Band 3 as for 2018/19 that only runs from £17,747 to £20,448. See this here

GlasweJen

You'll start on the current rules so you'll be on band 3 and start at the bottom and go up one spinal point per year unless you have prior service at band 3 or higher in which case you'll start higher but this would have been negotiated already.

The new system is more compact but you don't automatically go up your spines, you'll have targets to meet and you'll need a sign off from higher up to get your increase so in theory in future if you have absences or you have problems with getting training signed off you'll not get your spinal increase.

[Deleted User]

Please check your contract because you say your on band 3 at 22k but band 3 has a starting salary of just over 17k so you have become confused somewhere.

Autumn86

I work in London, so get London allowance as part of my salary, hence the 22k basic salary.

If I genuinely would be stuck below 25k until 2021 though, well I'll be handing in my notice by the weekend!
As I would struggle getting a mortgage on just 25k even, but so being below that for years would just be a laughable prospect.

GothicStirling

I wouldn't expect us in the NHS to be getting another payrise anytime soon. I work in hospital kitchens, and I've heard Band 3 chefs talking about dropping down to Band 1 because the difference in pay is small change. As a Band 1, with my 18k salary, plus double time on Bank holidays and pick up an an extra Sunday once a month I can earn £20k for washing the dishes.

Put it this way. Last payday, Band 1 got back-dated £530. Band 3 got £67.

GothicStirling

This is the new payscale:

https://nursingnotes.co.uk/nhs-agenda-change-pay-scales-2018-2019/

You won't receive the top band until year 3.