NHS Protected Pay Interpretation

throughtheblue

I'm asking on behalf of a colleague regarding protected pay. 

He was a Band 4 for two years in the NHS, and then changed to a trainee post, which when qualified would become a Band 5. His understanding was the trainee pay would be 75% of Band 5 unless that meant he'd be worse off than when he was a Band 4. 

With recent pay increases, the bottom of Band for in NHS Scotland is £27598, however, he's getting £26364. I'm finding it difficult to find the policies which cover this. 

Andy_L

I don't think there is such a policy. AFAIK the only policy on the 75% trainee pay is if it takes you below NMW

AIUI pay protection is only if the employer moves you to a lower paying post (eg as an alternative to redundancy) If you choose to do so then it doesn't apply

TheSpiddalKid

Pay protection policies are local within the NHS, but there are some principles within Agenda for Change handbook (available Via www.nhsemployers.org).

The 75% pay rate will be in line with Annex 21 of the handbook (used to be Annex U).  This relates to training roles, often apprenticeships> Annex 21 is also likely supplemented by local agreements.  

From memory, there is nothing in Annex 21 about pay protection, as it assumes you will be appointed to the relevant band at the end of the traineeship on a higher salary.