As a nurse at the East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, England, I have often encountered questions from colleagues and recruits about what constitutes NHS continuous or reckonable service.
Knowing this concept is essential, as it affects various aspects of our careers, including annual leave, sick pay, and employment rights.
In this article, I will provide a detailed explanation of reckonable service, its calculation, and its implications for NHS jobs and employers.
What counts as NHS continuous or reckonable service in 2021
Reckonable service refers to the period of employment with the NHS that is recognized for various purposes, such as calculating annual leave, sick pay, and pension benefits. It includes all periods of service with NHS employers, including full-time, part-time, and bank work.
Reckonable service meaning
Reckonable service is the total period of employment with the NHS, including all types of contracts, that is taken into account when determining various employment entitlements. It is essential to understand that reckonable service is different from continuous service, which refers to uninterrupted service with a single employer.
How is reckonable service calculated?
Reckonable service is calculated by adding up all periods of NHS employment, including:
- Permanent contracts
- Fixed-term contracts
- Bank work
- Secondments
- Career breaks (up to 12 months)
Any breaks in service exceeding 12 months will not be included in the reckonable service calculation.
NHS jobs
NHS jobs are diverse and range from clinical roles like nursing and medicine to non-clinical roles like administration and management. All NHS jobs contribute to reckonable service, regardless of the type of contract or working pattern.
NHS employers
NHS employers include all organizations providing healthcare services under the NHS umbrella, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health services. All NHS employers recognize reckonable service for employment entitlements.
NHS annual leave calculator
The NHS annual leave calculator helps employees determine their annual leave entitlement based on their reckonable service. The calculator takes into account the employee’s length of service, working pattern, and any career breaks.
NHS sick pay
NHS sick pay is calculated based on reckonable service. Employees with longer reckonable service are entitled to more generous sick pay benefits.
NHS handbook
The NHS handbook provides detailed information on employment policies, including reckonable service, annual leave, and sick pay. It is an essential resource for all NHS employees.
What counts as reckonable service?
Reckonable service includes all periods of NHS employment, including permanent, fixed-term, and bank work. Career breaks of up to 12 months are also included.
Who is eligible for NHS career break?
All NHS employees are eligible for a career break, which can be up to 12 months. Career breaks exceeding 12 months may not be included in reckonable service.
What is NHS annual leave entitlement?
NHS annual leave entitlement is based on reckonable service and ranges from 27 to 33 days per year, depending on the length of service.
What happens to annual leave when you are off sick in NHS?
Annual leave accrues during sick leave, and employees can take annual leave while off sick.
Do you accrue a holiday on sick leave?
Yes, annual leave accrues during sick leave, and employees can take annual leave while off sick.
Do you accrue leave while on sick leave?
Yes, annual leave accrues during sick leave.
Can you claim back annual leave if you are sick in the UK?
Yes, employees can claim back annual leave if they are sick and unable to take it during the leave year.
Do you build up annual leave while on sick leave?
Yes, annual leave accrues during sick leave.
How long do you get full pay when off sick in the UK?
NHS employees receive full pay for up to six months when off sick, depending on reckonable service.
Can my employer contact me while on sick leave in the UK?
Yes, employers can contact employees while on sick leave, but they must follow NHS guidelines.
Can you get fired for being sick with a doctor’s note in the UK?
No, employees cannot be fired for being sick with a valid doctor’s note.
How many sick days before disciplinary UK NHS?
In the NHS, no specific number of sick days triggers disciplinary action. Each case is considered individually.
Can I resign while on sick leave in the UK?
Yes, employees can resign while on sick leave, but they must follow NHS procedures.
In conclusion, understanding the NHS’s continuous or reckonable service is important for all NHS employees.
It affects various aspects of our careers, including annual leave, sick pay, and employment rights. By recognizing the importance of reckonable service, we can better plan our careers and make informed decisions about our employment. As a nurse, I hope this article has provided valuable insights.