The trick with the NHS is that they can lure you in with a glimpse of what the top of the scale is, but don't tell you that you might have to wait upto 8 years to get it. In private industry you are paid for what you do, in the NHS you are underpaid for at least half of your time in service.

Two thoughts there then, Bill:-

1) In the grand scheme of things, eight years isn't so long.

2) How come all you guys continue to work in the NHS?

Top of the scale in a particular band, then you have to get more qualifications to move to another band, but only if a position is available. That's how it works according to the contributers to this thread, if that is the case, as Geoff has mentioned 'Why Stay?'

... could it be because not everyone is motivated solely by greed?

There are higher callings in this life, after all.

Not greed, to be paid what you are worth. I know there are a lot of people that go to work to feed their hobbies and are not interested in promotion, being the boss etc. all they want is to do an honest days work for an honest salary and I admire them for that.

Yes. The best people are like that, I find.

As I've mentioned before, the Smart Dude not only enjoys his work, but works at what he enjoys.

Jordan, there is a job advertised today for a Trainee in Birmingham at Band 5 the bottom of which is £20,710
So if you or on less than this then " vote with your feet " Mate.!!

Geoff,

I started at the bottom, got fed up being poor and "voted with my feet". After about 5 years or so doing contract work I ended up back where I started. I am on the same pay point as my contemporaries but had a more fruitful journey . I'd recommend anyone starting out to look around. It's just a shame the Middle East isn't as appealing as it was in the Eighties.

Yeah, George Bush made a good job of ruining many a good Middle East career, for sure

Jordan seems surprisingly quiet !! The Guy who originally posted that is not the Country or Dear old Katy !!! ha ha

You never know. If the Price is right?