FAQ's Tax

Payroll queries: Human Resources queries:

NHS Shared Business Services,                           Hannah Stevens
St James' Hospital                                                  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Locksway Road                                                      Employee Resourcing Department,
Portsmouth                                                             The Old Gymnasium Building, Fort Southwick
Hants                                                                      James Callaghan Drive
PO4 8LD                                                                 Portsmouth PO17 6AR

0207 3269385 02392 32 2000

payroll@sbs.nhs.uk hannah.stevens@porthosp.nhs.uk

If you were entitled to a Bursary in Year 1 and 2, you will be entitled to it again during Year 4 unless your circumstances have changed. The NHS Student Grants Unit will contact you during your second placement to provide you with a continuation form. Their website is: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students.

Can I have a council tax letter stating that I am a student?
Yes, we will provide you one on request. It is up to the local authority if they will accept this as you are being paid a salary even though you are a student, so check with the local council tax office first. Students from previous Placement Years have found that they are still classed as Students thus qualifying for the Council Tax discount.

How many hours do I work?
You are contracted to work 37.5 hours per week, though your work pattern may vary from centre to centre. You will not be expected to work overtime, but this should be discussed with your supervisor if the situation arises.

What is the situation with tax and my employment in the placement year?
You are liable to pay tax and national insurance as with any other job. The Host Trust will advise you before you go on placement if you have to fill in any tax forms. If you have a second job as well, make sure that you inform the Inland Revenue to ensure you don't end up paying more tax than necessary. You would also be advised to inform your placement supervisor of your second job, remembering your first commitment is to the placement centre.

How many days paid holiday do I get?
For 2011/12 your annual leave allocation is 27 days plus 8 bank holidays. Where possible, spread your annual leave over the two placements, and inform your supervisor as far in advance as possible of your intended holidays. You will also need to speak to both supervisors at the start of your first placement if you wish to use the majority of your leave in one placement, as you will need to work your holidays around the rest of the department.

When do I get paid and how much?
You are paid £13,900 pa, in monthly payments on the penultimate day of each month. Students at Charing Cross Hospital will get High Cost area supplements (inner London 20%, outer London 15% and fringe 5%). You get paid at the end of the month that you have worked, i.e. money earned in July will be paid at the end of July. Overtime is calculated at time and a ½, bank holidays are double pay.

NHS Shared Business Services through Portsmouth NHS Trust are responsible for your pay / payslips, see address above.

Can I pay into an NHS Pension?
Yes, you are automatically enrolled into the NHS Pension unless you sign a form choosing to opt out of the scheme. The Host Trust Portsmouth will organise this for you.

Can I join a Trade Union?
Trade Union information will be available to you when you start working at the centres.

Do I have to enrol as a student during my placement year?
YES! You must enrol through the enrolment website, and we will contact you to advise you when and where this will be available. If you don't, you wont have access to Blackboard, the Logbook, University email etc and we will have to chase you to enrol!

Can I get hospital accommodation?
Some centres offer Hospital Accommodation/are willing to help provide you with information on local accommodation Please see Centre Information.