Is nhs pay negotiable?

[sundayneptune]

Hi, I'm applying for a nonclinical NHS role which is slightly below my current pay. Is nhs pay negotiable or do you automatically go in on the lowest scale of the band?

I’m assuming it’s your first NHS post? you would start at the first spine point at the bottom of the band.

https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202223

I moved from LA to nhs. It was a very niche new role and it was advertised as band 7. I negotiated to half way up the band, which was still lower than what I'd been on in the LA.

I started at the top of my band. I didn’t ask to but they noticed my salary on the application form and when offering me the job, asked me to send a payslip to HR and they automatically put me on the top of the band. First post in nhs.

It varies by post, and organisation, but it's quite unusual to be able to negotiate. You have nothing to lose by trying though. Spine points as they were no longer exist, most bands offer one pay rise based on years spent in the band. I have been in and out of the NHS and have only managed to negotiate once.

It's more likely to happen if you can evidence you have the level experience at one or even to band above (but wanted to move locally, want to take a step back, have caring duties etc...) to explain why you are applying to that job.

If it is just that you were paid slightly more (£2-3k) for the same level of responsibility, it is highly unlikely.