NHS new starter - negotiating salary

strawb_shortcake

I've applied for a non clinical role (band 7) within the NHS, and if successful would be moving from a CS post (SEO). 

The starting salary of the post I've applied for is a bit lower than my current salary, isn't a problem but just wondered if there was any room for negotiation? I am assuming marked time would not be a factor in this instance? 

Having been in the CS for 20 years I've never had to consider negotiating my salary before

TY

TELLIT01

There's no harm in asking but without direct experience of the role you are starting I think the likelihood is low.  If you don't ask you certainly won't get anything.

LightFlare

As you have 0 years experience at B7 it is likely that’s the pay point you will be put on.

As above though - don’t ask, don’t get but you need to have realistic expectations. Are you willing to turn down the job that has an almost guaranteed progression to 50k and as some would tell you a “gold plated pension” ( if you ever make it far enough to retire) 

NHS terms and conditions are admittedly pretty good though

strawb_shortcake

Thanks both, the role is very similar to what my current role is another government department, and based on the same regulations so it's not like I'd be going into it with no experience. 

I applied for the job knowing I'd be taking a small pay cut to move into the role so I have no issue with that. I just wondered what the chances were of any negotiation. 

LightFlare

Guess there’s one way to find out.

You may have more leverage if you are the only applicant and they desperately need to appoint

However, if there are multiple appointable applicants then you chances may be slimmer.

Maybe ask the question at the end of the interview if they would consider (or be able/allowed) to consider your current experience and time served when determining starting pay point

Good luck 🤞 

gizmo111

annabanana82 said:

I've applied for a non clinical role (band 7) within the NHS, and if successful would be moving from a CS post (SEO). 

The starting salary of the post I've applied for is a bit lower than my current salary, isn't a problem but just wondered if there was any room for negotiation? I am assuming marked time would not be a factor in this instance? 

Having been in the CS for 20 years I've never had to consider negotiating my salary before

TY

They may salary match if what you earn now is in the B7 range, you can only ask and see what they offer. 

strawb_shortcake

Thanks @gizmo I'm around £2k over, it's absolutely not a deal breaker. Within the CS we get some people negotiate higher starting pay but don't get much visibility of that and it's certainly not something I could advise on when interviewing.

SandyShores

Its definitely worth asking.  Managers can usually take relevant experience into account - so if you can demonstrate you have that experience you may start with extra full years of experience, which will get you to the next pay point sooner.  You could ask their HR department if that have a starting salary policy.

josephine82

There are three pay steps within Band 7 and new starters will always start at the bottom. However If you feel your experience at an equivalent level means you should be appointed at a high pay step that the bottom, then you can ask for that, but you’ll need to justify why you think your experience means you should start at a higher step. 

It is possible. 

Emmia

I negotiated into the CS, seeking pay at the top of the band, rather than the bottom and I was successful - I only did this after being offered the job though, not at interview.

strawb_shortcake

Thanks @Emmia I wouldn't raise it at interview, will have to see how the interview goes now