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Have you thought about relocating to the UK to play a crucial part in the healthcare system?…

We understand that deciding to relocate and changing your lifestyle can be very daunting.

However, in circumstances such as this, it is a great time to weigh out the pros and cons, as there are many strong positives to relocating to the UK.

So, let us take a look…

1. Culture and history

United Kingdom is comprised of four separate nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – all of which are a hub for culture.

You can find something to suit your desires in each of the nations - whether that is the countryside, city life, being near the coast and beaches, or a mix of all three.

Boasting with a unique blend of history and heritage, as well as some of the world’s greatest museums, music and sports; it’s safe to say you will never be bored or run out of places to explore.

2. Working for the UK’s largest employer

With over 1.4 million staff, the National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK, and one of the biggest employers in the world.

A highly well-respected institution globally and an important national treasure of the UK, therefore you can be confident in the fact that your new-found role in the NHS will be a very attractive asset on your CV, if you did ever decide to change roles again or move back.

3. Annual Leave

In the UK you are entitled to paid annual leave each year, plus 8 bank holidays (paid).

As an incentive, the longer you work for the NHS, the more annual leave days you get.

The annual leave days and length of service are offered as seen below:

4. Sick leave

If you are unwell you will be paid for the days that you have off due to this – they will not be deducted from your annual leave days.

In the NHS’s sickness absence section they state:

Employees absent from work owing to illness will be entitled, subject to the conditions of this agreement, to receive sick pay in accordance with the scale below (see Section 12 for provisions on reckonable service):

• during the first year of service – one month’s full pay and two months’ half pay

• during the second year of service – two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay

• during the third year of service – four months’ full pay and four months’ half pay

• during the fourth and fifth years of service – five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay

• after completing five years of service – six months’ full pay and six months’ half pay.

Please note that there is a limit to the amount of sick days you do take, therefore you will need to check with your trust what the rules are around this.

More information on this can be found here.

5. Manageable work hours

The NHS take pride in taking care of their staff’s well-being, and genuinely recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

In 2000, they introduced the Improving Working Lives Initiative which aims to reduce stress and improve motivation in their workforce. By doing so, they have given their staff an opportunity to choose whether to work overtime at enhanced pay rates or offer the chance to discuss flexibility with shifts given.

6. Excellent pay and benefits

By working for the NHS you can expect to receive an excellent benefits package, as well a very competitive salary.

Pay scales are rewarded dependent on the knowledge and experience of their staff – with some consultants earning over £100,000 per year.

Not only this, but they also offer special NHS discounts which can be used in shops and services, as well as a pension which also provides a variety of benefits.

Details of the pension scheme can be found here.

7. Maternity and paternity leave

Maternity leave of 1 year is offered to all staff - no matter how long they have worked in the NHS.

Paternity leave is also offered at 2 weeks, but there are options for additional leave if required.

More information on the scheme can be found here.

Resources: https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/10-benefits-perks-doctor-nhs/