NHS Counter Offer

Delpf · 2023-08-25T10:42:13+00:00

I'm currently a B7 scientist in the NHS. I've been offered a new job in the private sector with a big pay bump. I know NHS couldn't match the salary, but is there any chance of being offered other incentives (bump to the top of the band, more flexible working hours, --full time salary for working only four days--) to stay? Or will they just wave me on my way? I know I could just put it to my boss and take the new job if it's a no. But I'm not 1000% sure I want the new job!

IAmZebedeeLordOfTheRoundabout · 25/08/2023 11:58

Why don't you want the new job?!
Have you worked out whether the bigger salary in the private sector outweighs the benefits of working for the NHS-e.g sick pay, generous AL, very good pension etc?

Original poster

Delpf · 25/08/2023 13:48

@IAmZebedeeLordOfTheRoundabout The new job is better when it comes to money and other benefits, but it's likely to be pretty short term - it's a permanent contract but the company is a start up. It might last forever but it's just as likely it won't exist in a few years. DH and I are hoping to have a baby within the next year, too (although obviously that's not guaranteed either). Everything is just so uncertain!

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snowflakeinastorm · 25/08/2023 14:07

There is no way the NHS could offer you 4 days on full pay, and you know that, they are also very unlikely to bump you to the top of the band, as everyone would look for another job and demand the same.

IAmZebedeeLordOfTheRoundabout · 25/08/2023 14:08

If you're looking for mat leave potentially then I'd stick with the NHS...

BillyBraggisnotmylover · 25/08/2023 14:12

I wouldn’t leave if you’re planning on having a baby unless you know the mat pay in the new job is just as good as NHS.

Original poster

Delpf · 25/08/2023 14:18

BillyBraggisnotmylover · 25/08/2023 14:12

I wouldn’t leave if you’re planning on having a baby unless you know the mat pay in the new job is just as good as NHS.

The new job pays so much more that overall I'd earn more there, even though all they offer is SMP.

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snowlady4 · 25/08/2023 14:26

I'd take the new job, if it's better money and better perks. Surely it will be better than working for the NHS in most ways?
The NHS is a sinking ship.. leave on good terms and I'm positive they would take you back if it didn't work out at the new place! Perhaps not to the exact same post, but in some capacity or even at a different site.
Good luck!

IAmZebedeeLordOfTheRoundabout · 25/08/2023 14:34

If you're certain that the terms and conditions are better then go for it.

If they're a start up then are you happy that they have a mat leave policy, and that there is a sustainable business plan?

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 14:46

My husband has a recruitment and retention payment in the NHS due to his specialist (non healthcare worker role) and that he was offered jobs with higher salaries in the private sector.
They couldn't match the salary but they do add an R&R payment each month

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 14:46

It's then reviewed regularly

Original poster

Delpf · 25/08/2023 15:56

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 14:46

My husband has a recruitment and retention payment in the NHS due to his specialist (non healthcare worker role) and that he was offered jobs with higher salaries in the private sector.
They couldn't match the salary but they do add an R&R payment each month

Thanks, this is really useful. I've seen this mentioned on the various policy pages but thought it was a one-off thing. Can I ask roughly how much extra your DH gets, as a % of his salary?

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MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 15:58

I couldn't tell you, because I don't know. He also does on call which varies each month so his salary does fluctuate.
But it gets 'reviewed' every 6 months xx

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 15:59

I also work in the NHS as a nurse and wish I could get R&R pay 🤣

Original poster

Delpf · 25/08/2023 16:00

IAmZebedeeLordOfTheRoundabout · 25/08/2023 14:34

If you're certain that the terms and conditions are better then go for it.

If they're a start up then are you happy that they have a mat leave policy, and that there is a sustainable business plan?

Not convinced it's a sustainable business plan, no! I'm used to job-hopping regularly though, and if it weren't for the hypothetical baby I wouldn't hesitate. Sods law would be that I chose to stay with the NHS and couldn't get pregnant!

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Original poster

Delpf · 25/08/2023 16:00

MoserRothOrangeandAlmond · 25/08/2023 15:58

I couldn't tell you, because I don't know. He also does on call which varies each month so his salary does fluctuate.
But it gets 'reviewed' every 6 months xx

Thank you! I think I will talk to my boss and see what happens. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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IrresponsiblyCertainAboutSexualDimorphism · 25/08/2023 16:44

Can they replace you? If so, it’s vanishingly unlikely that your post would attract a R&R premium.

If your role has outgrown its job description and you have niche skills it’s not impossible for the managers to decide to do some kind of re-structure to create a Band 8 post for you. Something very similar happened within our team recently (band 6 to 7), but the post holder has a niche role within a niche service.

(Niche. I think I may not say that word again for a few weeks after using it excessively in this post).

Good luck anyway. If you don’t ask…

Original poster

Delpf · 01/09/2023 08:03

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

In an unexpected twist, my manager told me that my pay step is imminent (confirmed by a quick check on esr), which I believe will put me at the top of the band. A bit confused by this as I've been in post for just one year (started at midpoint of B7) and was under the impression it was a three year wait to get to the top. 🤔

This makes the pay gap a lot narrower - somewhere in the region of 4-7k pa (new job has a non-guaranteed bonus) after tax/pension/etc.

Would you move for an additional 5k net a year? Current job is very easy and boring, new job would be more demanding. Head says stay with the NHS, heart says jump ship. Can't help but feel I'll regret my choice, whatever it is!

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Luckydip1 · 01/09/2023 08:05

More job security in the NHS.

Earthed · 01/09/2023 08:07

Delpf · 01/09/2023 08:03

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

In an unexpected twist, my manager told me that my pay step is imminent (confirmed by a quick check on esr), which I believe will put me at the top of the band. A bit confused by this as I've been in post for just one year (started at midpoint of B7) and was under the impression it was a three year wait to get to the top. 🤔

This makes the pay gap a lot narrower - somewhere in the region of 4-7k pa (new job has a non-guaranteed bonus) after tax/pension/etc.

Would you move for an additional 5k net a year? Current job is very easy and boring, new job would be more demanding. Head says stay with the NHS, heart says jump ship. Can't help but feel I'll regret my choice, whatever it is!

The extra 5k will in no way make up for losing the defined benefit pension. You would be moving for a pay cut.

Allchangepls · 01/09/2023 08:08

Exactly-the pensions are gold plated! Don't do it OP!

pippinsleftleg · 01/09/2023 08:09

I would stay for the security and mat pay given you are moving to a smaller pay gap

Original poster

Delpf · 01/09/2023 08:09

@Luckydip1 Yes, definitely. And I think scope to move around, too.

I think I'm maybe reluctant to accept that start-up life is behind me. 🤷🏻‍♀️😢

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Original poster

Delpf · 01/09/2023 08:15

Earthed · 01/09/2023 08:07

The extra 5k will in no way make up for losing the defined benefit pension. You would be moving for a pay cut.

Show quote history

Ok, I'm taking all this on board. The headline figure is so hard to resist, but I think you're (all) right and the sensible thing to do is stay. I would also feel horribly guilty about leaving my colleagues, who are a lovely bunch.

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Original poster

Delpf · 01/09/2023 08:16

Thanks @pippinsleftleg and @Allchangepls. It really helps to hear what choice others would make in the same scenario.

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HairyKitty · 01/09/2023 08:34

But op if you are thinking of staying it doesn’t prevent you from seeing if you can improve your nhs remuneration package.

You do also know don’t you that you are just strengthening your golden handcuffs, however monotonous your nhs job becomes it’s unlikely you would leave as it’s secure and well paid.