Junior Doctors Industrial Action - 14 to 17 June
Pay and Benefits
Pay
The standard weekly hours of all full-time NHS staff covered by Agenda for Change are 37.5 hours excluding meal breaks. Employees who are required to be available to provide on-call cover outside their normal working hours will be entitled to receive a pay enhancement. This enhancement recognises both their availability to provide cover and any advice given by telephone during periods of on-call duties.
Within each pay band there are a number of points to allow pay progression. Staff progress from point to point on an annual basis to the top point in their pay band, provided their performance is satisfactory and they have the agreed knowledge and skills appropriate to that part of the pay band, and demonstrated through the annual appraisal process.
Annual Leave
Staff covered by agenda for change will receive the entitlement to annual leave and general public holidays as set out below:
- On appointment 27 days + 8 days
- After five years' service 29 days + 8 days
- After ten years' service 33 days + 8 days
Part-time employees will receive the same entitlements on a pro-rata basis to full-time colleagues.
Pensions
The majority of Trust employees are entitled to join the NHS pension scheme and this will happen automatically on appointment. Employees can opt-out by completing the opt-out form.
The Trust's pension manager is a member of the workforce team and can deal with the majority of employee's enquiries. The Trust can only give information concerning the pension scheme and cannot give advice. If you require pension advice then you should seek independent advice. Information about scheme can be obtained from the NHS pension scheme website.
Contribution rates range from 5% to 14.5% dependent on salary and these qualify for tax relief. The Trust makes an employee contribution of 14.3%.
You can transfer benefits from previous pension schemes where you may have preserved benefits. This has to be done within the first 12 months of joining or rejoining the NHS pension scheme. A transfer booklet is available from the pensions manager.
Benefits
Staff canteen, coffee bar and vending facilities
The hospital canteens (The HUB & Trust Education Centre) provide hot meals, salads and sandwiches 7 days a week. Outside canteen hours there are vending machines available.
Flexible working
The Trust aims to be a flexible and family-friendly employer. Flexible working is allowed when it does not have an adverse impact on the effective running of the hospital. Please discuss this with your line manager
Development Opportunities
Training pathways are available within different areas of the Trust including the Henley Business School, Applied Management Business degree. There are also functional skills and secondment opportunities and talent management.
Oasis Staff Health and Wellbeing Centre
We have recently opened our new Oasis Staff Health and Wellbeing centre which is opposite the main entrance to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It's free for staff and volunteers to use, to help them protect their physical and mental wellbeing.
Staff discounts
A number of companies offer discounts to our staff, examples include hair and beauty, entertainment, eating out electronics, health and wellbeing, home and motoring, breaks and holidays. They are available via the staff benefits platform Vivup.
Local and national discounts
A number of organisations, both local and national, give discounts to NHS staff including:
Employee Assistance Programme
Health Assured are out employee assistance programme provider, providing a free, confidential advice and support to staff 24/7, 365 days a year.
Staff can access advice on legal, financial, consumer and family issues in addition to counselling support.
Rainbow nursery
The Rainbow Day nursery is a 59 place day nursery for children aged 3 months to five years old. The nursery is for parents working at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust only.
Accommodation
Sovereign offer accommodation opposite Royal Berkshire hospital and all other properties are with three miles.
Celador apartments provide a range of contemporary, high quality serviced apartments throughout a number of locations within central Reading.
Staff Networks
We have many network groups covering minority ethnic, LGBT+ and carers.
Car lease scheme
If you wish to take up this option, discuss it further, or find the extensive range of cars available under these arrangements please contact Fleet Solutions by email at enquiry@nhsfleetsolutions.co.uk, by telephone on 0344 811 82 28, or visit the website at: www.nhsfleetsolutions.co.uk.
Car parking
We have a car park on site for patients, visitors and staff. Where possible, staff are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport, however if you want to apply for a parking permit please ask your line manager for more information. We have electric car charge points. Available within the car parks. We encourage car sharing.