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Working for Hounslow PCT provides access to a number of benefits and opportunities for development.  Listed below are some of the benefits that you can expect to receive.

Pay

In 2004 the NHS introduced a new pay system called Agenda for Change. Positions are now given pay bands ranging from 1 – 9 (this excludes chief executives, directors, doctors and dentists). Within each band there is a scale of pay points and staff move up this scale on an annual basis, subject to a regular knowledge and skills review.  New staff joining would normally commence on the minimum point of the pay band. Click Here for more information.

High cost area allowance

In addition to the basic salary our staff (on Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions) receive an allowance due to the geographical location of the PCT.  As Hounslow falls in the outer London category an extra 15% of the basic salary is paid subject to a minimum and maximum limit set each year.

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement is standard (for those staff on Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions) across the NHS.  Annual leave is based on the number of years service, and continuous employment with previous NHS organisations is taken into account when calculating the number of years service:

• On appointment = 27 days plus bank holidays
• After 5 years service = 29 days plus bank holidays
• After 10 years service = 33 days plus bank holidays

Flexible working

The standard working hours under Agenda for Change are 37.5 per week. However at Hounslow PCT we offer a number of flexible working options:

• Part time working                                         
• Job Share                                                     
• Annual Hours                                                
• Term time only contracts                             
• Voluntary reduced hours schemes 
• Flexi-time                                                      
• Compressed working week            
• Home working                                              
• Fixed Time Contracts                                  

A number of vacancies are advertised on hours less than the standard hours but all staff can apply for flexible working.  Each application will be considered on an individual basis taking into account the needs of the service.

Pensions

The NHS also offers a pension scheme open to new and existing employees.  Listed below are just some of the benefits being a member of the NHS pension scheme:

• Life assurance of 2 years' pay while you are working.
• Pensions and allowances for your husband or wife and children when you die.
• Benefits if you have to leave work because of permanent ill-health after 2 years' membership 

The contribution rates for members range from 5% to 8.5% dependant on the total salary. The real cost is normally around 3.5% because:

• you get tax relief on your contributions, and
• you pay a lower rate of National Insurance contributions because you are contracted out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme.

For more details visit www.nhspa.gov.uk

Training opportunities

At Hounslow PCT we offer excellent training opportunities to help and support our staff with their Continuing Professional Development.

All employees have a Personal Development Plan that is agreed with their manager and reviewed on a regular basis.

The PCT produces an in-house development opportunities booklet twice a year which gives details of both internal and external courses designed to help staff with career progression.

All jobs have a Knowledge and Skills Framework.  This outlines the abilities required to do the job and is a useful tool for aiding development and identifying learning opportunities.

Staff are actively encouraged to participate in learning and development throughout the course of their employment.

Childcare

At the PCT we know that the balance of family and work can be hard to juggle.  We offer access to holiday play schemes and operate the Busy Bees Childcare Voucher scheme which can help to save money.

Housing assistance

We have a range of accommodation related benefits including access to key worker initiatives, intermediate renting and open market home buy.

Car user, cyclists and public transport user allowances

We offer allowances for those staff that either use their car, cycle or use public transport for business purposes.  These allowances, subject to meeting certain criteria, include:

• Car user allowance (this includes a lump sum for those that use their car on a regular basis)
• Help towards the cost of purchasing a bicycle plus equipment
• Season ticket loan

Staff discounts/support

A range of discounts are available to staff via NHS Discounts, Red Guava and fm Gold Card.

Hounslow PCT staff also have access to a confidential counselling service, fast track physiotherapy and occupational health.