NHS pay band starting point and pay rise?

[CuriousityKills]

Hi all, I’ve just been offered a (partly) clinical band 5 role. I’m very excited and accept that it will be a pay cut of around 10K -12K year, compared to my current job.

I’m an experienced professional in another field and my soft skills and experience in that area definitely are the reason why they gave me the job.

My main question is, do I have to start at the bottom of the pay band just because I’m newly qualified for the clinical part of the job?

Also, does anyone know of band five workers will all be getting a pay rise soon, or is it just nursing staff?

TIA :)

Pay point within band is at line managers discretion. You’ll need to approach your hiring manager.
Any pay rises awarded at the moment are under agenda for change so apply universally to all band 5 workers regardless of job title.

@lezsucks thank you so much. That’s really helpful!

Yes, some managers point blank refuse and say it's not possible. From what I've seen it's probably when they had to start at the bottom of the band themselves. Very short-sighted. Good luck!

@ItWillBeDone how do you think such managers might view second career candidates with transferable skills??

My relative who was in this situation managed to negotiate a starting point at the second rung of a band 6. That was despite 18 years' relevant experience outside the NHS. They had to accept a paycut of more than £15k. (Of course could have chosen not to. But it was still disappointing. Their immediate line manager wouldn't consider anything above the bottom. He was fortunate in that he was able to go to their manager to put a case forward.)

I'd recommend you ask for what you want and push as hard as you can!

@ItWillBeDone thank you. Did your relative go above their immediate manager once they were in the job? I don’t want to alienate people before I’ve even started!

I don’t know if the manager who decides about pay is an HR person or a clinical line manager. How does it work?

You need to ask before you start, tbh. The point at which you have been offered the job but have not yet started is the point at which you have negotiating power.

Thank you @Augend23 that makes sense. Would this person usually be an immediate colleague or an HR person?

Second rung is usually the most I can offer - unless the person is transferring from elsewhere in the NHS and is already on a higher salary. You’re better to ask after the offer has been made but before you accept it - and you would approach the hiring manager (whose budget is paying for the role) rather than HR.

Thank you @SirChenjins . Good to know :)