Staff Benefits

Through choosing to work in the NHS at East Cheshire NHS Trust, you will enjoy one of the most competitive and flexible packages offered by any employer in the UK. The trust is committed to providing a positive experience for staff. Here is an overview of the wide range of staff benefits and schemes offered by the trust, designed to support staff engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.

NHS Pension

The NHS Pension scheme continues to be one of the most comprehensive and generous schemes in the UK and is a key part of the reward offer for employees in the NHS. You are automatically entered into the scheme if you are eligible unless you state otherwise and you can read more about the scheme online.  

Annual Leave Entitlement

The annual leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March for all staff employed on National Terms and Conditions. Entitlement to annual leave varies according to length of NHS service, which may not necessarily be continuous. Annual leave and public holiday entitlements are based upon the following lengths of service: 

• On appointment - 27 days plus 8 public holidays
• After five years’ service - 29 days plus 8 public holidays
• After ten years’ service - 33 days plus 8 public holidays

For Medical and Dental staff, the leave year may be determined by your start date and the entitlement is as follows:

• Consultants receive 6 weeks of annual leave, plus 2 statutory days (plus an additional 2 days upon completion of 7 years' service)
• Specialty Doctors receive 5 weeks of annual leave (increasing to 6 weeks upon 2 years' service) plus 2 statutory days 
• Junior Doctors receive 27 days of annual leave (increasing to 32 days upon 5 years' service)

Cycle to Work

Staff who cycle to work have the opportunity to buy bike and safety equipment from a number of specific local bike shops and pay for it tax free via salary sacrifice over 12 months.

Reimbursement for Eye Checks

Staff are entitled to claim back the cost of eye tests. Employees that are users of display screen equipment can apply for a voucher which can be taken to Specsavers to cover the cost of the eye sight test.

Staff Discounts

A number of companies offer discounts to our staff. Examples include entertainment, hair and beauty, eating out, holidays and phone contracts to name a few.

Staff Networks

The trust has various staff networks such as a Disability Equality Group which includes membership of staff, service users and Human Resources, in addition to an Autism group and Dementia group. These groups help to ensure that trust premises are environments which are inclusive and accessible for staff, clients and customers.