A guide to living expenses for an NHS employee

  • March 28, 2024
 

Navigating the financial landscape as an NHS employee, understanding various aspects, from pension contributions to childcare costs and general living expenses. In this blog, we'll break down essential information to help you manage your finances effectively.

Pension Contributions:
As an NHS employee, you contribute 13.5% of your income to the NHS Pension Scheme, with the NHS topping this up by 20.6%. These contributions are tax-free, reducing your taxable income. You can access a portion of your pension pot at the age of 55, with the remainder available upon retirement.

Childcare Costs:
Childcare options such as after-school clubs are available at most UK schools, typically running from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm. Costs range from £10 to £20 per day on average, and you can utilize the tax-free childcare scheme to save up to 20% (up to £2,000 annually) on these expenses. Budgeting around £2,000 to £3,000 per year for part-time childcare is advisable.

Rents and Bills:
The cost of living in the UK, including rents and bills, varies by location. For instance, in areas like Bournemouth and Poole, rent for a 2-bed flat or terraced house near the hospital might range from £1,200 to £1,400 per month. Additional monthly expenses, including council tax, utilities, and internet, can total around £1,750 to £1,800.

General Costs:
Budgeting for phone contracts, groceries, and transportation is essential. Phone contracts typically range from £10 to £20 per month, while groceries may cost around £350 to £400 monthly for a healthy balanced diet. Transportation expenses, including car ownership costs and fuel, should also be considered.

Navigating Financial Decisions:
Opting out of the NHS Pension Scheme to increase take-home pay may seem tempting, but it's generally not advisable. Earning above £100,000 annually can result in losing tax-free allowances and government childcare benefits. Pensions become increasingly valuable in managing taxable income, particularly for senior doctors and consultants.

Conclusion:
Managing finances as an NHS employee requires careful planning and consideration of various expenses, including pension contributions, childcare costs, rent, bills, and general living expenses. By understanding these financial aspects, you can make informed decisions to ensure financial stability and well-being throughout your career.

 

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Relevant Jobs

99k - 131k

An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Acute Medicine Consultant to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant working in an established acute medicine department in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.

The NHS Trust

This NHS Trust provides integrated acute and community services to around 900,000 people. As one of the top-performing NHS trusts in the UK, it is renowned for its high-quality patient care, research, and innovation. The Trust aims to deliver outstanding care and services, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. It is dedicated to developing new treatments and technologies that improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

The Acute Medicine Department & Team

The Acute Medicine department at this NHS Trust is a dynamic and supportive environment that deals with a high volume of emergency cases. The team consists of experienced consultants, junior doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment. The team is dedicated to delivering high standards of care, participating in national clinical audits, and contributing to research initiatives.

Continued Professional Development

This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within acute medicine, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The department is committed to the professional growth of its staff, offering numerous opportunities for continuous medical education, participation in clinical research, and leadership development programs. The Trust supports a culture of learning and innovation, ensuring that all staff members can achieve their career aspirations while delivering exceptional patient care.

Location

This NHS Trust is located in a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including two national parks and a picturesque coastline. The area boasts a high quality of life with affordable living costs, excellent schools, and a safe, welcoming community. The region offers a rich cultural heritage with numerous festivals, museums, and theatres, along with a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. With excellent transport links, including rail and road networks, it is easy to travel to other parts of the UK.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Experience in Acute Medicine

EEA candidates: 

  • Experience in Stroke Medicine
  • European Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA candidates:

  • MRCP
  • Experience in Stroke Medicine
     
110,257 - 164,372

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Acute Medicine Department. They are looking to appoint an Acute & General Internal Medicine Consultant, a great opportunity to further your medical career in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support, and international applications from IMGs are welcome.

The successful candidate will be the clinical lead and will drive the development and transformation of acute medicine, where patient-centered care is at the heart of the services. The role involves working within the Acute Assessment Unit, which consists of a 25-bed inpatient area including a 5-bed enhanced care area and an adjacent 6-space Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit.

Health Service

Working for this health service is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Their clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. They foster strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in their modern education center.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department. This is a unique opportunity to help shape an integrated care system with closer political engagement than in the UK.

Department & Team

Medicine in this health service is fully integrated by age and specialty, with three medical wards: . The EAU has a 5-bedded Enhanced Care Area and a separate intensive care unit led by intensivists. The AEC Unit is supported by a SAS doctor and consultants. The department comprises a 16-bed EAU, staffed by 11 consultants, 8 SAS doctors, 7 FY1 doctors, 2 FY2 doctors, and 6 Clinical Fellows, organized into 8 medical teams and the EAU team.

The specialty of Acute Medicine is based within the Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU). The service includes a 25-bed Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) featuring 5 enhanced care beds and an Ambulatory Emergency Care (AEC) Unit. The post holder will work across both the AAU and the AEC.

Continued Professional Development

The health service offers further training & accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. Health & Community Services supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years, and an annual study leave allowance. 

Life in the area

Living in the area presents significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate is notably advantageous compared to the U.K., and they provide a generous public sector pension scheme that isn\'t constrained by U.K. lifetime or annual contribution limits. The Consultant Contract closely mirrors the U.K. model but offers higher incremental levels. Incremental progression is automatic from points 1 to 17 on the pay scale based on satisfactory performance, while formal applications are necessary for points 18 to 20.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

•    Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine

EEA candidates: 
•    Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine
•    European Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA candidates:
•    MRCP
•    Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine

99,532 - 131,964

A Northern English NHS Trust is looking for a Consultant Histopathologist to join their team at. They are considering either UK or overseas-trained doctors for a permanent contract type. The trust will support with CESR support for those who are looking to attain CESR and Specialist Registration. This is a high performing and friendly department for overseas doctors new to the NHS, or UK-based doctors looking to further careers in the UK.

This is a great job for any overseas Pathologists looking for CESR-support and great career development in a beautiful part of England.

What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?

The NHS Foundation Trust offers top-notch hospital and community healthcare services to a population exceeding 400,000 individuals across several areas/ With two primary hospital locations boasting a combined total of 553 beds, and their hospitals situated approximately 15 miles apart - along with a community hospital, the Trust ensures comprehensive care coverage. Its extensive range of services and specialties includes Bariatric Services, Orthopaedics, Urology, Cardiology, Diabetes Care, Elderly Care, Emergency Care, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiology, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Stroke Care, Critical Care, Neonatology, Pain Services, and Pathology.

What is the department & team like? 

The Histopathology Department is staffed by a dedicated team of consultants and junior doctors committed to delivering outstanding patient care. The team comprises experienced consultants and supportive junior doctors, ensuring comprehensive coverage and expertise in diagnosing a wide array of cases. The department is actively involved in the diagnosis and management of diverse histopathology and cytology cases, encompassing oncological, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and respiratory conditions, among others.

They offer a range of treatments tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, with a focus on delivering timely and accurate diagnoses to support effective treatment plans. Equipped with advanced facilities and state-of-the-art technology, the department boasts modern laboratory equipment and diagnostic tools. These resources enable them to efficiently process and analyze histopathological specimens, facilitating prompt and precise diagnoses.

On average, the histopathology department handles a substantial volume of cases each year, covering a broad spectrum of pathology types. Through the collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, they strive to uphold the highest standards of patient care and contribute to advancements in diagnostic medicine.

Career Development & Opportunities Available

The Trust and Histopathology team are dedicated to supporting their doctors career development through. For example, the new appointee will have the opportunity for the development of teaching experience as they would be expected to undertake formal and informal teaching of trainees within the department, and participate with other consultants in teaching/lectures as part of the Trust’s postgraduate education program. There will also be the opportunity for the development of personal research interests through the Research and Development Department. Research is highly encouraged at this trust and is undertaken during SPA sessions. The new consultant will also be able to increase their experience in MDTs, as these are regularly held within the department. 

Life in North East

The North East of the UK offers a diverse blend of rural and urban settings, providing both tranquility and vibrant city life. Residents can explore scenic landscapes such as the Northumberland Coast or enjoy cultural attractions in cities like Newcastle upon Tyne. The region boasts esteemed universities like Durham and Newcastle, along with quality schools. Transportation links are well-established, connecting the area to major cities and airports. Housing options vary from historic properties in market towns to modern developments in bustling urban centers, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Histopathology
  • Specialist European Qualification in Anatomic Pathology
  • Full and Specialist registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview.
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCPath
  • Full and Specialist registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview.
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance

UK based applicants

  • Full GMC registration
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance
110,257 - 164,372
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a Child & Adolescent  role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.

Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.

The post holder will be expected to take on the full range of duties including the routine and emergency diagnosis and management of children and young people with significant mental health problems (up to the age of 18), the support of other team members, and providing consultation and advice to other agencies. Successful applicants will be encouraged to develop a special interest and take a clinical lead in one of the following areas: Eating Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, or Transition.

The Health Service

Working for this service is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Their clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. They foster strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in their modern education centre.

Department & Team

The Mental Health Service is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, supported by secretarial and administrative staff. The service provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues in children and young people up to their 18th birthday.

Currently, CAMHS manages 1,627 open cases. In 2022, 926 new referrals were received, with 752 new referrals to date in 2023. The current locum postholder\'s caseload is approximately 90, with most cases having an allocated care coordinator. While most new assessments are conducted by other members of the multi-disciplinary team, some will require an initial medical assessment. On average, there are 1-2 new assessments and 15-20 follow-up appointments per week, depending on case complexity and other commitments.

Continued Professional Development

The health service offers further training & accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. Health & Community Services supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years, and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.

Living in the Area

Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:
  • Experience in Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry
  • Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
EEA candidates: 
  • Experience in Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry
  • European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
  • MRCPsych
  • Consultant experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
50,00 - 80,000

IMG Connect are proud to be representing NHS England in the recruitment of a paediatric & perinatal fellowship role, providing overseas pathologist the access to specialist registration / CESR in their field, without the need to enter specialty training. With the opportunity to work in either one or multiple of the UK\'s largest and most established NHS pathology departmetns, this Fellowship in Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology is ideal for either paediatric pathologists with extensive overseas experience, or young-aspiring pathologists with a strong interest and desire to train further in paediatric & perinatal pathology.

The Fellowship is designed as an 18 month training programme for international medical graduates who are experienced paediatric/perinatal foetal pathologists who are willing to work as consultants in this field in the UK. You will work and train in one or two of the NHS\'s largest and most renowned institutions.

Am I eligiible?

  • Full FRCPath Histopathology is desirable
  • FRCPath Part 1 is essential
  • Current active duties in adult autopsy
  • 5-years histopathology experience, including some performance of perinatal autopsies as well as adult autopsy.
  • Pass in either IELTS or OET

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