NHS salary scales

[georgedawes]

If you join the NHS do you automatically join at the bottom of the scale? This would be for an allied professional role (junior). I haven't done the job before, but am in a related job equivalent to top of the scale salary. Just wondering if I get it (big if!) I'll have to join at the bottom and take a pay cut.

Usually you would join at the bottom, but it's worth a discussion with the future manager to see if you can negotiate being put higher up the band. It's very unusual but not unheard of.

I wondered if that might be the case. Thanks.

I've only ever heard of people starting one point from the bottom, but the usual is bottom IME.
This is only applicable to AFC roles as far as I know.

Looks like it would be a pay cut then if I got it. Which tbf is what I expected.

Recently the points within the bands have been reduced, so it's much quicker to get to the top of the band now.
Plus if you do unsocial hours you'll get enhanced pay.

No you don't have to join at the bottom of the scale if you can prove you have equivalent experience in other roles. If you were transferring from another NHS role then your years at that band would be counted in your new role and it can be the same if transferring in from a non NHS employer.

I'm a manager in the NHS and employer someone who negotiated starting mid band. They had to provide evidence and I had to submit it to a panel to review the evidence.

You will have to negotiate this when you accept the role as your manager will need to do all this paperwork before you start. Don't leave it until you start to raise it.

If you can evidence experience and higher earnings then you don’t have to start at the bottom. Have the conversation, you’ve nothing to lose!