Returning to the NHS - pay band query

[BasalGanglia]

Hi, I’m just after some advice. I left my band 6 role in December where I was on the top of the band. I’ve since done some non nhs contract work.

I’m now returning to the NHS to a different trust as a band 5 and have asked to be put at the top of the band but the manager is dragging her heels saying she’ll have to check with HR. I thought this would be at the managers discretion?

The role is the same just at a lower level.

In our trust, HR have to approve this. The manager can request and push for it, but ultimately HR make the decision. If it’s classed as a long break in service (we say 6 months or more) then you have to go to the bottom of the band. If you come from an external trust or non-nhs organisation, bottom of band.

Theyve been told to save money on staffing costs and this is part of the whole picture.

When I received the call to say I had the job I then asked to be put on the top of the scale for that band. I refused to go to the bottom and several jobs I went for were happy to do this, I had been out of the NHS for years but all the time working overseas. It absolutely is at managers discretion! However people make up all sorts of rules. If you have the skills and experience you shouldn't have to accept bottom level just because it is the NHS !