You did very well Dave. We take on trainees using annexe U of AfC based on band 5, ie. start on 65% of top of band 5. Most places see band 6 as a senior post, so by rights you will become a senior as soon as you have qualified. I think Jordan could expect to start on 65% of a band 5. It's all a load of tosh anyway. We wanted to promote some of our basic grades to senior but had to advertise the jobs and go through the process of shortlisting & interviewing. In the end it was decided that we may have to look at creating annexe U posts at band 6.

What goes around comes around. It wasn't that long ago that I came across a bunch of blokes all sitting at MTO 3*** (or whatever it was).

And I emphasise sitting. I wonder what Band they're all on now?

That was because they weren't allowed to be MTO4's (reserved for management).

Yes. And yet at another place there was an MTO 5 who did very little else than act as the storeman! But, to be honest, that was within the M25, where seemingly different rules apply!

If you work your butt off for the NHS and you reach the top-end of your 'Pay Band' that is it, no promotion, no increase in salary. If that is the case I am glad I never joined. One of the main reasons I left the UK was that I was training people on more money than me and when I asked for equal treatment I was told no. Voted with my feet and the more I hear about the NHS the better I feel.

There is another way (if your dissatisfied with your banding and lack of opportunities), and that is to learn and/or train into another area within the NHS where there may be further opportunities with higher pay bands.

All I am asking is can't you be paid for what you are worth?

You made the right decision all those years ago, Neil.

Meanwhile, I wouldn't worry too much about our brothers (and sisters) working for the largest employer in Western Europe. Many are (and have always been) paid far in excess of their true worth anyway.

And don't forget, they have job security and a pension at the end of it. Those who are "dissatisfied" with their Pay Banding should be grateful for all that, I would have thought. That is, be thankful they have a job (and a comfortable job, at that).

It's a matter of horses for courses (as I say), and I have no problem with that. But although some may bitch and moan about the "threat" (real or imagined ... and mostly the latter) from private contractors, most NHS techs would not last a month out there (here) in the cold. And it is a bit cold today.

A change of government might affect the 'threat' as one party is known not to like the NHS very much.

No way, Mate. It will be "business as usual", as it has always been.