5 tips for saving money and understanding NHS relocation packages

Monday, June 27, 2022

Do you want to navigate the rising cost of living? With this impressive NHS relocation package and top tips to reduce spending, you can manage your finances with that extra level of confidence. 

Inflation is at a high and the cost of living on the rise which means people all over the UK are looking for ways to save extra money. Whilst the first port of call is for us to secure you a job with a competitive rate reflective of your skills and experience, we are always looking for opportunities to offer you the best relocation packages available. If you are a Doctor looking for job opportunities in the NHS, private or in clinical research with competitive rates and salaries, please contact us.

If you are already living and working in the UK and looking for a few ways to save some extra money, here are some suggestions to save small monthly amounts that can add up over time:

  • Cancel unwanted subscriptions - do a spring clean and cancel all the ones you don’t use anymore. You can see what you are signed up to by checking your bank statement to spot repeat payments and cancel any that you don't need. 
  • Check comparison websites to see if you can find a better deal for any of your monthly bills with another provider. Make sure you read your terms and conditions carefully so that you don’t incur a fine for leaving your existing provider.
  • Downgrade your package or reduce TV streaming services if you are not using them. Are you paying for multi-screen packages and only using one? Did you join something on a free trial and forget to cancel? 
  • Watch your spending on takeout food and coffees by preparing ahead, prepping meals in advance and trying to cut down on food waste.
  • Reduce energy consumption by turning off appliances instead of using standby, turning lights off when they aren’t being used and reducing one use of washing machines and dishwashers per week.

If you are a doctor and thinking about relocating to the UK and are worried about the costs involved, a relocation package is a great additional incentive offered by some NHS trusts. Today we are shining a spotlight on an impressive relocation package from a trust in Southwest England.

What is a relocation package?

A relocation package is when a company may pay for expenses related to finding a house in a new location as part of a relocation package. This might include transportation fees or expenses such as food and accommodation while house searching.

Accommodation

The trust offers to cover the first two months of accommodation fees. This is especially beneficial if you are relocating as it gives you some time to find longer-term accommodation such as a rental property. You can save money on paying for hotels or hospital accommodation as you spend some time in the local area to find the best neighbourhood to suit your culture, requirements and preferences.

Relocation package

The trust will pay you £500 per month for 3 years as part of your relocation package. In this part of the UK, you can expect to pay an average rent of £790 for a room, £1,569 for a flat and £2,065 for a house. A flat can generally be a good starting point for one person with facilities to cook and relax meaning your relocation package will cover approximately one-third of your rent each month.

Flights to the UK

The trust will cover the price of your flight to the UK. This can save you valuable money which you may want to spend on flights for your family, pieces of furniture to make your rental property feel like home or even video calling devices so you can contact any family who are still living overseas.

Certificate of sponsorship 

The trust must assign a certificate of sponsorship to each overseas worker they employ. This is an electronic record, not a physical document. Each certificate has its own number which you can use to apply for a visa. You must use it to apply for your visa within 3 months. The cost per certificate is £199 which the trust will cover. 

Red carpet airport service

As part of the red-carpet service and to make your journey as seamless as possible, the trust will arrange for a transfer to be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your accommodation. This will take any unnecessary stress out of your journey and allow you to relax upon your arrival in the UK after your journey.

Food service

A really unique benefit that this NHS trust offer is to fill up the fridge in your accommodation with food before your arrival. In the UK, food is currently among the biggest drivers of price growth across the economy. In addition to saving money, this provides you with time to recuperate after your journey and refuel before exploring your new neighbourhood and starting your NHS job. It also gives you some time to research the local area to find the best supermarkets to cater for any dietary requirements.

Specialist support

The trust has 2 dedicated relocation officers who are available to support you with any additional needs, queries or concerns regarding the relocation process. These specialists are experts in supporting doctors through relocation and will be able to use their expertise to guide you through the process.

Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)

Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) is desirable for doctors who are working towards working as a consultant in the UK. This is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved programme but who are able to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of the CCT in the UK.

GMC FastTrack service

Since the travel restrictions have been lifted, more professionals are moving to the UK. This sometimes causes delays with the GMC of up to 8 weeks so the trust will pay for fast-track service to avoid any delays in starting your new NHS role. This means you can plan your journey so that you are able to start working and earning as set out without any roadblocks. 

We are delighted to open applications to the below doctors and specialities for permanent roles. All of these permanent and substantive roles are eligible for the relocation package and CESR if applicable to you:

  • Consultant Intensive Care Medicine
  • Consultant Care of the Elderly
  • Consultant Acute Medicine
  • Consultant Gastroenterology
  • Consultant Respiratory Medicine
  • Consultant Emergency Medicine
  • ST3+/ Clinical Fellow in General Surgery

If you would like to arrange a confidential discussion regarding the job specifications, requirements or more information, please get in touch and a member of the team will be happy to help you.

Please mention the reference number “RelocationA&E” so that we can fast-track your application.

Get in touch here or email permanentrecruitment@accident-emergency.co.uk