NHS Agenda for Change sick pay

Most NHS staff on Agenda for Change terms get occupational sick pay under Section 14 of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. The Royal College of Nursing summarises the scale as follows, based on reckonable service:

• During the first year: one month’s full pay and two months’ half pay
• During the second year: two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay
• During the third year: four months’ full and four months’ half
• During the fourth and fifth years: five months’ full and five months’ half
• After five years: six months’ full and six months’ half

Paid sickness in the 12 months immediately before a new absence is deducted from that entitlement. Unpaid sickness is ignored, and some work-related injuries are also disregarded.

Full occupational pay includes any SSP due — you do not get full pay plus SSP on top. During half pay, SSP can be paid as well, but the total must not exceed full pay. These occupational amounts are also gross: they are paid through payroll, and income tax and National Insurance are deducted. HMRC confirms that both SSP and occupational sick pay are taxable (EIM76350).

The handbook talks about months, not days. This calculator treats one month as 30 days so it can draw a week-by-week picture. Your employer may count calendar months instead, so treat the result as an estimate and check your local policy. Arrangements can also differ slightly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.