What does the NHS Consultant pay scale increase in England mean for you?  Doctors play an integral part in delivering high quality patient care in the NHS and as such, they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits. NHS pay scales can be confusing, particularly for overseas doctors. Here we hope to provide some clarity to help you understand the NHS grades and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales. Now, let's take a closer look at the updated consultant pay rates. The latest pay circular released by NHS Employers provides detailed information on the revised salary structure. Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service-level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.    The pay elements of the new deal will be applied in the coming months and backdated to the 1st of March 2024. Threshold Years completed as a consultant Basic Salary (£)  23/24 deal  Period of eligibility for next threshold Pay scale code 1 0 105,504  1 year YC72 Point 00 2 1 105,504  1 year YC72 Point 01 3 2 105,504  1 year YC72 Point 02 4 3 111,714   1 year YC72 Point 03 5 4 114,894  5 years YC72 Point 04   5 114,894  4 years YC72 Point 05   6 114,894  3 years YC72 Point 06   7 114,894  2 years YC72 Point 07   8 126,018  1 year YC72 Point 08 6 9 126,018  5 years YC72 Point 09   10 126,018  4 years YC72 Point 10   11 126,018  3 years YC72 Point 11   12 126,018   2 years YC72 Point 12   13 126,018  1 year YC72 Point 13 7 14 139,882 5 years YC72 Point 14   15 139,882 4 years YC72 Point 15   16 139,882 3 years YC72 Point 16   17 139,882 2 years YC72 Point 17   18 139,882 1 year YC72 Point 18 8 19 139,882 - YC72 Point 19   These updated figures reflect an increase across various experience levels, underscoring the NHS's commitment to fair compensation for its dedicated workforce.  These changes are particularly encouraging for overseas doctors considering a career in the UK. The improved pay rates, coupled with the renowned quality of healthcare in the NHS, present an enticing opportunity for medical professionals seeking growth and fulfilment in their careers. Download the latest NHS pay circular for detailed information  When would I see an increase in my pay?  We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024. Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.  You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits. 

For international doctors looking to work in the UK, it is important to understand the salary you will be offered with your NHS job and how this can be different depending on the country you are working in within the UK.   The NHS follow pay guidelines that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, however, these do differ across countries in the UK.   What is an SAS doctor? SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. They will have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.  They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a training pathway).  Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position.  SAS doctors maintain their skills through the CPD system and there are routes, through gaining CESR (Specialist Registration) or applying for a training post, for SAS doctors to become consultants if they wish to.  Basic Pay Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in England and the other home countries have their own contracts in place for senior doctors. These contracts are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.   The basic pay thresholds in the UK are shown below:  England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland England SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £59,175 and £95,400  as Specialty Doctors and from £96,990 to £107,155 as Specialist Grade doctors in England.  Specialty Doctor  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £59,175 1  2  3  £68,174  4  5  6  £75,998  7  8  9  £84,121  10  11  12  £95,400 13  14  15  16  17    Associate Specialist / Specialist Grade  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £96,990  1  2  3  £100,784  4  5  6  £107,155 The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.  Scotland SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £47,905 and £89,329 as Specialty Doctors and from £67,163 to £109,259 as Associate Specialists in Scotland. Specialty Doctor  Scale point   Basic Salary  0  £61, 690  1  £61,690 2  £61,690  3  £73,593  4  £73,593  5 £73,593  6 £78,099  7 £78,099  8  £78,099  9  £87,115  10 £87,115  11 £87,115  12 £96,129  13 £96,129  14 £96,129  15 £96,129  16 £96,129  17 £96,129    Associate Specialist  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0  £96,990  1  £96,990  2  £96,990  3  £100,784  4  £100,784  5 £100,784  6 £100,784    The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.  Wales SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £56,346 and £90,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £91,500 to £101,089 as Specialists in Wales. Specialty Doctor  Pay Scale Point Basic Salary  01 £59,727 02 £59,727  03 £59,727  04 £68,810 05 £68,810 06 £68,810 07 £76,708 08 £76,708 09 £76,708 10 £84,905 11 £84,905 12 £84,905 13 £95,400 14 £95,400 15 £95,400 16 £95,400 17 £95,400 18 £95,400   Specialist Grade Pay Scale Point  Basic Salary  01  £96,990 02 £96,990 03 £96,990 04 £100,784 05  £100,784 06 £100,784 07 £100,784 The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.  Northern Ireland SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £52,530 and £82,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £83,945 to £95,275 as Associate Specialists in Northern Ireland. Specialty Doctor Years of experience  Basic Salary  Pay Point 0   £59,175   1   1 2 3   £68,174   2 4 5 6   £75,998 3 7 8 9   £84,121 4 10 11 12   £95,400 5 - top 13 14 15 16 17   Specialist Doctor Years of experience  Basic Salary  Pay Point 1   £96,990     1   2 3 4   £100,784    2 5 6 7 £107,155  3 (top)   The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.  Job Planning and Programmed Activities As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.  There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.  There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan. 

New Pay Deal for SAS Doctors Accepted The BMA’s SAS UK Committee has accepted the Government’s latest pay offer for England, following a 79% approval in a referendum. Key Pay Increases  What do you need to know? For SAS doctors on 2021 contracts: Annual increase of 9.5% to 19.4%. For SAS doctors on 2008 contracts: £1,400 uplift plus 6% increase for 2023/24. Go to our SAS Doctors’ Pay across the NHS blog to view the recent salary changes.   Career Progression and Contract Improvements The offer also includes proposals to enhance career progression and improve contracts for locally employed doctors, ensuring better working conditions and opportunities for advancement. While this deal marks progress, the BMA continues to push for further improvements, focusing on pay restoration and career advancement for SAS doctors.  Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to keep you in the loop about the latest updates in the UK healthcare sector. For more information and updates, keep an eye on our website and social media channels.  When would I see an increase in my pay?  We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024. Additional infomation Sources Read the full article about the SAS doctors in England accepted pay offer Getting started  NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.  Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.  For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.              

Navigating maternity pay can be a complex process, especially within the NHS. It's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and the benefits you're entitled to under the NHS maternity pay scheme. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you navigate through this important aspect of maternity leave. Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for NHS maternity pay, you need to meet the following criteria: 1. Continuous Employment: You must have completed 12 months of continuous employment with the NHS. This period doesn't necessarily have to be with the same employer but should have no breaks exceeding three months. 2. Timing: By the time you reach 11 weeks before your expected week of childbirth, you should meet the continuous employment requirement and comply with the NHS notice requirements. Understanding NHS Maternity Pay Structure: Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you become entitled to a structured maternity pay scheme. Here's how it works: 1. Full Pay (8 Weeks): You'll receive eight weeks of full pay, which is subject to deduction for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowances. 2. Half-Pay (18 Weeks): Following the full pay period, you'll receive 18 weeks of half-pay, in addition to SMP and Maternity Allowances. 3. SMP or Maternity Allowance (13 Weeks): The final phase of maternity pay involves 13 weeks of receiving either SMP or Maternity Allowance. Maternity Allowance is paid at a fixed rate, which was £156.66 per week (April 2022 – April 2023) or 90% of your average earnings if lower. Notification Requirements: It's essential to adhere to the notification requirements set by the NHS. You must notify your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. However, as a good practice, most individuals tend to inform their employers sooner, especially considering visible signs of pregnancy by that stage. Final Thoughts: Understanding the intricacies of NHS maternity pay is vital for expecting parents working within the NHS. By meeting the eligibility criteria and adhering to the notification requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition into maternity leave while availing of the benefits provided under the NHS maternity pay scheme. In conclusion, navigating maternity pay within the NHS involves understanding eligibility criteria, the structure of maternity pay, and notification requirements. By being informed, expectant parents can make the most out of the benefits provided by their employer, ensuring a seamless transition into parenthood.   Reference - https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/RCN-advice/having-a-family#:~:text=It%20is%20likely%20you%20are,13%20weeks%20SMP   IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:                  

In a landmark decision, the government agreed to an increase to the pay of NHS junior and senior doctors in England, based on the recommendation of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). This pay rise will equate to an increase of 6% for senior doctors i.e., consultants and SAS doctors, and for junior doctors, an agreed average pay increase of 6% with a one-off uplift of £1,250.  This pay increase is not only a testament to the power of the industrial action by NHS doctors over the past several months. Whilst an acknowledgement of the efforts and hard work of NHS doctors, this pay increase fails to fully consider the rationale behind these strikes and the BMA’s calls for the UK government to fully restore pay to 2008-09 levels. In contrast, strike action was suspended in Scotland, following a 12.4% pay offer from the Scottish government. Whilst the Scottish pay offer is a move in the right direction, IMG Connect remains fully in support of doctors taking part in industrial action. The decision to go on strike is not taken lightly, but is a fundamental right of doctors who want to protect the NHS and its ability to provide quality care to patients and our communities, whilst also ensuring their work and wellbeing are properly valued and compensated. Sources https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-staff-receive-pay-rise https://www.bmj.com/content/382/bmj.p1624 For more information on working in the NHS or how this pay increase will affect you as an NHS doctor or IMG, contact us at info@imgconnect.co.uk.                

NHS Consultant Salary: Take-Home Pay for International Doctors in Northern Ireland For international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in working in the NHS, understanding what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in Northern Ireland is crucial for financial planning. To help overseas doctors prepare for life in the UK, we’ve compiled examples to give you a clearer picture of what you might expect to take home each month. How Much Will I Take Home? In the UK, take-home pay refers to the amount deposited into your bank account after all necessary deductions have been made from your annual salary. These deductions typically include: Income Tax National Insurance contributions NHS pension payments It's important to note that these figures serve as guidelines. We’ve calculated them based on the gross salary at each pay threshold, assuming no other sources of income. Your actual take-home pay could vary depending on several factors, such as: Additional responsibilities or extra hours worked Other income sources Your final tax bracket Opting out of the NHS pension Claiming tax-deductible expenses Take-Home Pay Expectations in Northern Ireland For NHS consultants and specialty doctors working in Northern Ireland, your monthly take-home pay will fluctuate based on these variables. We recommend consulting with an IMG specialist to help you better understand your potential earnings and to explore ways to maximise your income. Keep in mind that NHS pay scales can be influenced by factors like experience, job responsibilities, and the specific Trust you’re employed by. By having a realistic understanding of your NHS consultant salary and how it translates into monthly take-home pay, you'll be better prepared for a successful career and life in the UK. Threshold Annual gross salary* Estimated annual take-home pay** Estimated monthly take-home pay** 1 £88,799 £60,533 £5,046 2 £91,581 £62,166 £5,181 3 £94,362 £63,779 £5,315 4 £97,141 £65,391 £5,449 5 £99,913 £66,999 £5,583 6 £106,520 £69,527 £5,794 7 £113,124 £72,037 £6,003 8 £119,723 £74,544 £6,212   *before tax and pension **based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions To explore detailed information on NHS pay scales and salary conditions across all grades in the UK, check out our comprehensive series of blogs on career structure and NHS doctor pay in our IMG Resources library. These resources are designed to help international doctors understand their earning potential at various stages of their careers in the NHS.

As an NHS employee, you will pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your wages through the PAYE system.  Overseas doctors will have tax and national insurance automatically deducted from their monthly salary. How much deducted depends on how much you earn.  PAYE stands for Pay As You Earn.  Some income is tax-free. You can earn a certain amount of income each year, called your Personal Allowance, before you need to pay any Income Tax.  The personal allowance is a fixed amount set against your gross income.  In all four UK countries, the Personal Allowance is set at £12,500 (tax-free income). It is worth noting that if you earn more than £125,000 you will not receive a personal allowance.  The Personal Allowance will also be set at £12,500 for 2020/21.  Any pay above the personal allowance is then taxed according to your salary and pension.  Tax bands in England, Wales & Northern Ireland Band Taxable income Tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Basic rate £12,501 to £50,000 20% Higher rate £50,001 to £150,000 40% Additional rate over £150,000 45% How much you pay is fixed as a percentage according to a band system. In Scotland the tax bands vary from those set in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see below:  Tax bands in Scotland Band Taxable income Scottish tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Starter rate £12,501 to £14,549 19% Basic rate £14,550 to £24,944 20% Intermediate rate £24,945 to £43,430 21% Higher rate £43,431 to £150,000 41% Top rate over £150,000 46% You can check that you are paying the right amounts using this online government tool. This will allow you to check the following your Personal Allowance and tax code are accurate. As well as helping you to understand how much tax you’ve paid in the current tax year and how much you’re likely to pay for the rest of the year. Your NHS employer will set your salary, and you will be automatically set up to pay your pension, tax and national insurance. However, at IMG Connect we think that it’s important to check you have the right tax code and are paying the right amount.  Can I make any more savings?  You will get tax relief on your pension payments. The NHS pension scheme is an attractive one, with very few schemes in the UK even coming close to this benefit. Find out more about your NHS benefits here. Getting started For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.