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
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Emergency Medicine to join a UK-based NHS Trust. This role provides CESR Portfolio Pathway support, and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
What is the NHS Trust like?
This NHS Trust provides high-quality hospital and community care to its local population and visitors. The Trust operates multiple acute and community hospitals across the region, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. The Trust has received high ratings from the Care Quality Commission for its care and effectiveness. The Emergency Departments within the Trust provide round-the-clock services, backed by a full range of diagnostic and therapy options.
What is the department & team like?
The Emergency Medicine department is a vital part of the Trust’s Urgent Care Division. The department is well-equipped with modern facilities, including advanced radiology services and electronic health record systems. The team is composed of experienced consultants, doctors, and nursing staff, providing continuous coverage and comprehensive care. The department also includes specialized teams for psychiatric and rehabilitative care, ensuring holistic treatment for all patients.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within Emergency Medicine, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support and access to specialty training. The department supports the development of sub-specialist interests and offers opportunities for research, teaching, and clinical governance. The role is designed to support professional growth and career progression.
What is area like?
This region in the UK offers a compelling lifestyle for international doctors and their families. With affordable living costs, beautiful natural surroundings, and excellent educational institutions, it is an ideal location for relocation. The area is well-connected, with easy access to major cities, and offers a rich cultural experience with a diverse population and various recreational activities.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Board Certified Specialist in Emergency Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCEM UK
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Emergency Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
This is one of the country’s top performing NHS foundation trusts, looking after the wellbeing of around half a million people. Hospital services are provided from 4 hospitals, with care also provided in people’s homes and other community facilities. They are also planning to rebuild a nearby existing community hospital, replacing the old hospital with an integrated health and social care facility. They have also opened a state-of-the-art NHS centre to bring together outpatient and diagnostic services, as well as primary care, under one roof. The Trust has received significant recognition including:
- Being named among the 40 best performing NHS organisations in CHKS Top Hospitals programme 2015 for the eighth consecutive year
- Rated 6th in the country for cancer patient experience (Macmillan)
- Named ‘overall best trust’ at Patient Experience Network National Awards 2014
- 11th in country in national A&E patient survey (CQC)
- Named ‘Provider Trust of the Year’ at the HSJ awards 2013
- Special recognition award at the national Patient Safety Congress
- Patient Safety Award for pharmacist prescribing (UK Clinical Pharmacy Association)
- British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) patient safety award for the trust’s Hip Quality
- Improvement Programme
In March 2015, they were also chosen as a ‘vanguard’ site by NHS England – one of eight sites in the country to be tasked with taking a national lead on transforming care for patients and in July 2015, Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, named the trust as an NHS organisation providing the very best standard of seven-day services for our patients, a standard to which other NHS trusts should aspire. The trust offers a wide range of specialties with some of the largest specialist departments in the region, including the largest trauma and orthopaedics service, one of the largest cardiology departments and one of the largest units in the region for colorectal surgery services.
WHAT IS THE PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT LIKE?
The department has full UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation. It\'s Histopathology and Cytopathology services are centralised into a custom-built laboratory in April 2003, which has accommodation for eight consultants plus specialist registrars. There is a well-equipped library and teaching suite within the department. Fully automated immunohistochemistry is provided with a comprehensive range of routine antibodies available at the Trust. The laboratories are served by the Telepath computer system with links across the Trust and NHS networks. PathoSys is used for reporting breast cores and resection specimens, colorectal cancer specimens, bowel cancer screening specimens, cervical punch and loop biopsies and bronchial biopsies and in line with recent advances in the field of histopathology, the department has introduced and have recently gone live with skin
reporting. The team consists of five consultant Histopathologists, two Specialty Doctors, plus up to two specialist registrars on rotation from a nearby infirmary who cover histopathology and cytology on a rota basis. The non-gynae cytology plus the surgical histology workload will be shared equally.
WHAT CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
The Trust and Histopathology team are dedicated to supporting their doctors\' career development through devising a personal development plan, the post holder will be required to agree a programme of continuing professional development which meets his/her and service provision requirements. Regular MDT meetings are held for lung, colorectal, breast and upper GI. High definition videoconferencing and slide projection facilities are available in the MDT suites on the North Tyneside and Wansbeck sites and there will also be opportunity for the development of teaching experience. Undergraduate students from the affiliated University are regularly attached to clinical teams within the Trust and the new appointee would be expected to undertake teaching at an undergraduate level throughout the Trust, including the assessment of clinical medical students and examining from time to time.
They would also be expected to to participate in clinical audit activities (personal, departmental and inter-departmental) including clinical audit meetings. The post holder will have a reflective approach to their own practice with an ability to acknowledge poor behaviour and act upon feedback sought from others during the Trusts 360o appraisal.
The Trust has also puts emphasis on their commitment to the development of leadership skills.
LIFE IN THE REGION:
The region offers both the opportunity for scenery but also city living. Firstly, there is easy accessibility to one of the finest coasts in Britain, with unspoilt sandy beaches and wild rocky headlands, as well as the National Park with its 400 square miles of wooded valleys and open moorland rich in wildlife. The North Pennines are an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wildest and least populated region of high moorland in England. Sailing, golf, fishing, riding, walking, cycling, rock climbing, gliding and watersport facilities abound and there are most types of sporting and leisure pursuits including major national football, rugby, cricket, athletics and horse racing venues within easy reach.
Then, the vibrant and modern city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the major educational, cultural and business centre for the North East of England and offers a combination of lively bars, top-rated nightclubs and many musical and theatrical attractions. Eldon Square is an excellent shopping centre in the City and for a complete shopping experience, the Metro Centre in Gateshead boasts over 360 shops and services all under one roof. A magnificent new Concert Hall has been constructed on the opposite side of the river to the Quayside Development.
A neighbouring pleasant market town boasts a race course, three golf courses, an historic abbey and a country park, is located 20 miles west of Newcastle upon-Tyne. Situated in the Tyne Valley, Hexham is the focal point for the rural Tynedale District, the largest local authority district in England and one of the most consistently beautiful. The town enjoys good road and public transport links to Newcastle. To the west of Hexham is the City of Carlisle and the M6. The town is also particularly well placed for access to the Lake District.
For families, local education opportunities are very good, with a number of league-leading junior, senior and sixth form schools and colleges in both the private and public sector. Housing is excellent with a wide range of affordable properties both period and modern. As a result of the proximity to the National Park, its historic centre and relative prosperity, this area is now one of the most popular residential locations in North East England with reasonable house prices. The region also has an excellent road, rail and metro network, and the busy ports have regular sailings to the continent. From Newcastle International Airport, flights are available to most national and international destinations.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA candidates:
- Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Histopathology
- Full and specialist registration (and with a license to practice) with the General Medical Council or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
- Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology
Non-EEA candidates:
- FRCPath
- Full and specialist registration (and with a license to practice) with the General Medical Council or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
- Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology
UK-based candidates:
- Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Histopathology
- Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Locum Consultant Histopathology to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant working in an established Histopathology 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 is a modern and progressive healthcare organization located in the UK. The Trust provides a wide range of acute and general hospital services, serving a large and diverse population. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to providing the highest quality care, the Trust is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its staff. The Trust has a strong focus on patient-centered care and works closely with the community to ensure the delivery of comprehensive health services. As an NHS Trust, it offers a dynamic and supportive environment, making it an ideal place for doctors looking to develop their careers within the NHS.
The Trust is also involved in various research initiatives and collaborates with academic institutions, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in healthcare. This is an excellent NHS job opportunity for those interested in joining a forward-thinking organization committed to clinical excellence.
The Department & Team
The Histopathology Department at this NHS Trust is a well-established and highly regarded unit within the organization. The department is equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies, enabling the delivery of high-quality pathology services. The team is composed of experienced consultants, specialty doctors, and a skilled support staff, all working collaboratively to provide accurate and timely diagnostic services. The department plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions, making it an integral part of the hospital’s operations.
The team is known for its supportive and inclusive environment, which encourages continuous learning and professional development. Regular multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions are held to ensure the highest standards of patient care. This NHS job offers an excellent opportunity for doctors to join a team that values clinical excellence and is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for patients.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within Histopathology, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The Histopathology Department at this NHS Trust is dedicated to the continuous professional development of its staff. Doctors joining the department will have access to a wide range of educational resources, including regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars. The department also encourages participation in research activities and offers support for those interested in pursuing academic qualifications.
Additionally, there are opportunities to attend national and international conferences, further enhancing the learning experience. The Trust’s commitment to professional development ensures that doctors are well-equipped to achieve their career goals while contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Location
This area in the UK is an excellent place for international doctors to relocate to, offering a high quality of life for both individuals and families. The region is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other parts of the UK, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle in the country. Safety is a top priority, with the area boasting low crime rates and a friendly community atmosphere. The region is home to a variety of schools, both public and private, that provide excellent educational opportunities for children. There are numerous things to do, from exploring beautiful parks and natural areas to enjoying a vibrant arts and culture scene.
The area also benefits from excellent transport connections, with easy access to major cities via road and rail. Additionally, the region is diverse and multicultural, making it a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Histopathology
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Histopathology
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- FRCPath
- Experience in Histopathology
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant in Acute Medicine in the UK. This role is perfect for international doctors or UK-based professionals looking to advance their careers in acute care working in a high pace teaching hospital environment.
What is the NHS Trust like?
This NHS Trust provides care for a diverse population of over 1 million people across three main hospital sites. It offers a wide range of medical services, including acute medicine, emergency care, and specialist services. The Trust is known for its dedication to clinical research and innovation, with an active R&D department that regularly participates in groundbreaking studies.
The Trust prides itself on being a progressive employer, supporting staff through a variety of professional development programs. It fosters a collaborative environment where doctors can work alongside highly skilled teams. With a focus on delivering high-quality patient care, the Trust is an ideal place for healthcare professionals to grow and succeed in their careers.
The Acute Medicine Department & Team
The Acute Medicine Department operates a state-of-the-art acute medical short-stay ward, designed to manage high patient volumes while delivering outstanding care. The department is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including consultants, junior doctors, nurses, and advanced nurse practitioners. With a patient intake of approximately 60 per day, the department provides a fast-paced, challenging environment where you will gain extensive experience in treating a variety of acute medical conditions.
This role also involves working closely with the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit and the Emergency Department (ED), both of which are critical to the acute care service. The department values teamwork and offers a supportive, educational environment for doctors looking to further their careers.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers excellent professional development opportunities, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, making it ideal for international doctors aiming to achieve Consultant status. You will have access to a range of specialty training options and the opportunity to develop a sub-specialist interest within acute medicine.
The Trust is committed to supporting your ongoing development through a comprehensive training program, mentorship, and involvement in innovative research projects. This role provides a solid foundation for career progression, whether you\'re new to the UK or looking to advance within the NHS.
Location
The hospital is located in an area with excellent transport links to London’s city center, major cultural sites, and international airports. It offers a mix of urban and suburban living, making it a great choice for families and professionals. The local area has affordable housing, top-rated schools, and a vibrant, diverse community.
With its proximity to major transport hubs, the area offers easy access to the rest of the UK and Europe, making it ideal for international doctors relocating with their families. The local area also offers plenty of recreational and cultural activities, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- NHS experience in Acute Medicine
- MRCP UK or equivalent
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Acute Medicine
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCP UK
- Experience in Acute Medicine or similar
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced psychiatrist to join this NHS Trust as a Specialist Doctor working in a community psychiatry setting in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
The NHS Trust
The NHS Foundation Trust is a renowned provider of integrated healthcare services, covering a broad spectrum of care. The Trust is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care and has received accolades for its innovative approaches and excellent clinical outcomes. As part of the NHS, the Trust ensures comprehensive mental health services, physical health care, and specialist services to the community. Their robust partnership with local authorities and healthcare providers enhances their service delivery, making it an exceptional place for medical professionals to grow and make a significant impact.
The Department & Team
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team is a forward-thinking, dynamic department. The team provides community-based services to young people up to 18 years old. The department includes a mix of professionals, such as a substantive consultant, trainees, non-medical prescribers, and a well-resourced multidisciplinary team (MDT). The service boasts various specialized programs like the Mental Health in Schools teams, CAMHS Psychiatry Liaison, and Enhanced Support services. Pebble Lodge, the CAMHS inpatient unit, holds an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, reflecting the high standards of care provided.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training & accreditation within Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The NHS Foundation Trust supports continuous professional development with structured training programs, opportunities for research, and participation in innovative projects, ensuring doctors can advance their careers and contribute to service development.
Location
The area is a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The area offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordable living costs. With easy access to natural areas of beauty and efficient transport connections to major cities, it is an ideal location for international doctors and their families seeking a balanced lifestyle in the UK.
??????Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry