Alpha to NHS pension

annabanana82

I'm considering a move to the NHS from the Civil Service, I am 41 and currently have £13k built up in pension.

The post I am considering would be a pay cut unless I can negotiate the mid band point which would be very similar gross but roughly £100pm less take home due to pension contributions.

From what I understand the NHS pension is less preferable than Alpha, I'd be paying in more for less. 5.45% compared to 10.07% for NHS and would be accruing circa £830 per year rather than £1044. 

Holiday is also reduced and uncertain if I'd be able to accrue flexi.

Am I missing something? 

Current salary £45802, NHS £43792

Any thoughts?

Dazed_and_C0nfused

One thing your missing is that the in service NHS revaluation is better, CPI +1.5% instead of just CPI with Alpha.

So April 2023 increase was 11.6% compared to (just!) 10.1% in Alpha.

Also, I thought NHS had better long term annual leave provision, 33 days as opposed to 30 but maybe that's changed?

NHS seems to have more clear cut salary progression (within a pay band) so at least you know where you stand.

spaniel101

NHS Annual leave is:

27 days - New Starter
29 days - After 5+ years
33 days - After 10+ years

(all calculated in hours)


In all honesty, the best Annual Leave I've ever had!   10+ years = 33 days + Bank Holidays (this year 10 days).
Trust Policy to enable you to carry up to 1 weeks annual leave over to the following year (which I do every year).
Trust Policy to purchase up to 1 weeks annual leave (which I also do every year)

= 10.6wks holiday!   (of which I take 9.6wks)

annabanana82

Thanks @spaniel101 I'm currently on 30 days plus bank Holidays, plus bank Holidays and flexi up to 2.5 days a month. 

@Dazedandconfused thanks for that, I'd just gone with the base numbers but that 1.5% isn't going to come close to my current pension. Based on my current salary over 20 years I'd have around a £4k deficit in my accrued pension - rough back of a fag pack calculations