The advice zone

In the NHS, what are the differences between pay bands, how do you qualify for a particular band, and how is overtime paid?

A detailed explanation is provided in Time is Running Out sent to all trainees who are BMA members last Autumn.1 The banded contract applies to doctors in training posts. Trusts can, at their discretion, apply it to non-training posts--for example, trust grades and clinical fellow posts; these posts should not be for more than 48 hours a week due to the European Working Time Directive.

• Band 1--up to 48 hours' work a week

• Band 2--from 48 hours' to 56 hours' work a week

• Band 3--over 56 hours' work a week (non-compliant)

Hours of work is the actual number of hours of work--for banding, time asleep does not count. The bands are subdivided to reflect the intensity of the job.

• Band 1A--most intense, pays 1.5* basic

• Band 1B--pays 1.4* basic

• Band 1C--least intense, pays 1.2 basic

• Band 2A--most intense, pays 1.8 basic

• Band 2B--less intense, pays 1.5 basic

• No Band 2C

• Band 3 is not subdivided

Simon Eccles, Chair BMA's junior doctor's committee

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