When the job spec says 'negotiable' salary - Any ideas?

[ALittleCrisp]

What does it really mean?

I'm looking to apply for this role - www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/1c6ec8b0617bba586e8448c843c12ee1/?vac_ref=915375350

It's part time and perfect for me since I'm not keen on going back full time with a just turned one year old.

I am a Medical Secretary/PA. Experience working in a London hospital and private sector PA experience.

What would be reasonable to ask for if I get an interview?

My lost recent salary was £31k I know I can't ask for that, even if it's technically pro Rata since it's only 20 hours a week.

What would be the max I could go in asking
for without them letting me go because they can't afford to pay that?

It's NHS so I know pay isn't excellent.

*my most recent salary

Is it not on the nhs pay scale banding? At the trust I work for (Midlands) medical secretaries are usually band 2 or 3. Although very occasionally I have seen some jobs advertised as band 4. I'm not sure if it's the same for gp surgeries but can't image it will be much more than the equivalent to a band 3.

www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/agenda-for-change/pay-scales/annual

WhatA After a bit of digging it seems GP surgeries aren't banded at all but set their own pay scales.

But from looking at similar jobs at GP surgeries in similar locations, it appears the pay isn't great! Lots looking to pay out £8.15ph

We're just moving this to employment issues for the OP.

To be frank most jobs that are advertised as competitive or negotiable pay essentially around minimum wage.

Yup I'm afraid this is probably a case of the 'competitive' salary being actually barely living wage - I think you could use your experience/previous salary as a negotiation point but it will probably come down to whether they have another candidate prepared to accept a lower wage. I might be wrong but I would have thought their absolute upper ceiling would be somewhere in the region of £20k. Much more than that and they may end up paying you more than their senior receptionist/supervisor or even their practice manager . I'm afraid GP practice admin staff are usually really badly paid...