Band 7 to band 6 NHS

[HerNameIsIRIS]

Hello,

I think I'm going to have to drop back to a band 6 from a band 7 (and look for another job). I'm
not working close to home and costs to work
where I am are not sustainable long term (plus, I'm away from home part of the week). When I was offered the post it was for 2 days on-site (one night staying in a local hotel or Airbnb) but it is now obvious I'm expected to be on-site a lot more (which has annoyed me as I wouldn't have accepted the job in the first place)!

I've started to wonder if I could get a band 6
post close to home. However, this is a significant pay cut if they put me to the bottom
of the band (I'm on my own so need to bring in a bit more). Does anyone know how this works if you drop from a 7 to a 6 in another trust and another profession (if it comes to that)? Do they have to put you at the top of band 6 or is it at their discretion? Obviously, there is my NHS pension to consider too!

Speak to HR and the union about the way it was sold to you versus the reality of what’s happening. Ask HR exactly about the band issue- it might vary or be at managers discretion. If you go for a Band 6 I do think you’d be kept at the top though (which is no difference to bottom of 7).

if that doesn’t help, then discuss flexible working and whether you can formally request less working on site
think through whether dropping a couple of hours or a day might be more beneficial than moving bands
and if none of that is helpful, then look for another job but I’d be looking for a B7 nearer me.

good luck

No you should be able to go straight back in at the top of band 6.
I have previously worked at band 7, then took 3 years out of the NHS to work in the private sector before returning to the NHS at band 6. I asked to be placed at the top of band 6 and this was agreed. As I had been in the private sector just prior I had to just provide a recent pay slip to show I had been on or above the top of band 6 salary and that was that. I also kept all my continuous years of employment so got full AL entitlement too.

you go top band 6 even with another trust….sounds like you will be better off with no Airbnb to pay

Hoping I can sort something out with my manager. I might see about compressing hours over 4 days and do the 2 days on-site but be there longer.

It definitely isn't going to work if I have to pay for more than one night of accommodation per week and the extra travelling costs.

I was sold it as a 2 days on-site a week. HR have already spoken to me and checked the emails I was sent and it clearly says they agreed to 2 days on-site with the rest remote.

I would caution if you move from a n&m post to an a&c or vice versa they may start you on bottom of the band in another trust. This happened to me & I had to argue it & seek union support.

Definitely speak to the union as the terms of what you accepted are now being changed. Make sure your manager knows this is a deal breaker for you and you will be looking for another job as 2 nights is unaffordable

You should be able to go to top of band 6, particularly if you've been a band 6 in the past.
I know someone who says she's better off having dropped down to top of band 6 as she picks up a couple of weekend days a month as overtime

It’s not a given, you need to negotiate starting salary.