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Pay and Pensions - Agenda For Change

 The national pay system for the NHS — Agenda for Change (AfC) —  is for all directly employed staff except doctors and the most senior managers.

The pay system offers real benefits including:

  • a standard working week of 37.5 hours

  • harmonised holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus eight general and public holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service

  • pay enhancements to reward out of hours, shift and overtime working

  • better career and salary progression based on the application of knowledge and skills

  • an annual personal development review to support your career aspirations

Other benefits of working in the NHS include training, occupational health services, automatic membership of the NHS Pension Scheme (unless you choose to opt out) and study leave for sponsored courses.

Read more about the Agenda for Change pay rates.

One of the UK's best pension schemes

The NHS Pension Scheme is still one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK. Every new employee automatically becomes a member and you will get an excellent package of pension benefits.

Find out more about NHS Pensions.

NHS employment policies

Our employment policies:

  • ensure fair rates of pay for all staff across the whole healthcare system (Agenda for Change)

  • provide training and personal development opportunities that will enable people to reach their full potential

  • emphasise equality of opportunity for all

  • provide good working conditions, holiday entitlement, and other benefits

  • maintain an excellent pension scheme