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NHS Relocation Packages

• July 06, 2018

For many international doctors, it is their goal to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS. After taking various exams such as IELTS, PLAB or several postgraduate qualification papers you finally obtain your GMC Registration. Then before you know it you are interviewing and then secure a job offer.

Accepting a job offer in a new country can be refreshing and exciting, but making the actual move is often stressful and overwhelming. Multiple factors are involved when you transition from one country to another, and so hospitals typically offer relocation packages to aid some of these relocation costs.

The relocation package figure varies from hospital to hospital as they will each have their own Trust policy on relocation expenses.

These expenses will qualify for tax relief if they are ‘reasonably provided’ in connection with a change in your residence. To qualify, the expenses must be incurred, or the benefits must be provided before the end of the tax year after the one in which your employment duties started.

Please note that relocation packages are typically reserved for the more “hard-to-fill” posts and for the more senior level positions. Therefore, not all international doctors who take up an NHS position will be entitled to a relocation package.

Types of Packages

1. Point of Entry

Under this package, the Trust may reimburse your expenses from the moment you enter the UK.

This could include:

• Transportation: Any travel expenses you may have incurred since you arrived in the UK, such as travelling from the airport to the hospital or your new accommodation. Possibly travel costs to and from work for a certain period.
• Temporary Housing: The cost of temporary furnished rental housing or a hotel for a certain period can be provided. Rent and utility fees are typically included for rental housing.
• Removal Fees: The cost of removing your belongings and other related expenses may be included.
• Replacement domestic goods: This can include washing machines, tumble dryers, ovens, microwaves, kettles etc.

2. All-inclusive relocation packages

This package can include reimbursement of the above and other costs you may have incurred before entering the UK such as:

• Flights
• Documentation: Including International surcharge fees, visa fees etc

Check what is included in the package

Once you have received your job offer you should check what exactly is included in your relocation package. This will allow you to make arrangements to move – you don’t want to get stuck with expenses for items that you thought would be covered but aren’t.

As hospitals will frequently deal with new employees relocating from overseas, they may connect you with their sub-contracted companies. Other hospitals may give you a lump sum to pay for relocation or ask you to keep all receipts for reimbursements.

Ask for specifics beforehand and ask if it is possible to receive a hard copy of their relocation package policy.

Negotiating your relocation packages

If BDI Resourcing helped you find your first job within the NHS – then we will negotiate the relocation package for you.

As previously mentioned, each Trust will have their own policy and so sometimes there is no room for negotiation. However, we will always set out to get the best package possible for all our doctors.

Remember – Get the details in writing

As with any job-related benefit, it is important to have all the details in writing. That way, both you and your new employer will be clear about expectations and coverage.

If you are an international doctor who is interested in relocating to the UK and working within the NHS send your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.

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