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The NHS Sick Pay Length of Service Calculator helps you understand how your years of continuous NHS employment affect your sick pay entitlement. Under the NHS Agenda for Change framework, staff receive increasing periods of full and half pay as their service grows — from one month for new starters to up to six months for long-serving employees. Long-serving staff can examine that extended period in more detail through the NHS Sick Pay 6 Months Calculator.
If you’d like to calculate your exact entitlement based on salary and service, try the NHS Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator for a more detailed estimate.
Understanding your entitlement helps you plan for periods of sickness and manage your finances effectively. For wider national guidance, visit the UK Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) overview on GOV.UK.
FAQs
Q1: How many years of NHS service do I need for full sick pay?
A: After five years, NHS staff may receive up to six months’ full pay followed by six months’ half pay.
Q2: Does previous NHS service count?
A: Yes, previous NHS employment can count if your service is continuous or linked under NHS continuity rules.
Q3: How is NHS sick pay calculated?
A: It’s based on your basic salary and length of service. The Agenda for Change guidelines outline how full and half pay are applied depending on service milestones.
Q4: When does NHS sick pay reset?
A: Sick pay is assessed using absence within the relevant rolling period, so earlier sickness may affect the entitlement remaining. Once you know your available full-pay and half-pay days, use the NHS Sick Pay Calculator to estimate how those days could affect your pay.
Q5: What if I move between NHS Trusts?
A: As long as there’s no break longer than one week between roles, your previous service is usually counted towards your sick pay entitlement. Always confirm this with your new HR department.