Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: Civil Service pay structure. HEO: illustrative £37,712 to £41,453, 2026/27 figures. Checked 4/9/2026.
- Lost pay is your pay before the break multiplied by its length. No pay awards, steps up the scale or allowances are added.
- Re-entry pay is the point you choose on our illustrative HEO steps; 0 is the bottom, £37,712. Real progression is set by your body and its sponsor department.
- Your employer's career break policy sets who can take one, for how long, and the job and pay you come back to.
Career Break Impact Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerReviewed 4/9/2026
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Guide for Policy Adviser
This guide helps Policy Adviser at Arm's Length Bodies plan unpaid or non-paid breaks and illustrative re-entry pay on HEO. Parental leave has separate rules; use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for enhanced pay during leave.
Career breaks for Policy Adviser
A career break, sabbatical or extended unpaid leave may mean no salary for a period. For Policy Adviser on HEO at Arm's Length Bodies, re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point after agreed leave, others place returners at the bottom of the band.
Planning a break
A career break, sabbatical or extended leave may mean no salary for a period. Re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point, others place you at the bottom of the band. Pension and continuous service rules vary by scheme.
Parental leave
Maternity, adoption and shared parental leave have separate statutory and contractual rules. Use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for typical enhanced pay; this tool focuses on unpaid or unpaid-adjacent breaks and re-entry salary.
Example scenario
Example: a 1-year break from £37,712 costs £37,712 in gross pay, with a cautious return at the bottom of HEO. The calculator opens on 2 years (£75,424).
| Pay before break (example) | £37,712 |
|---|---|
| Break length (example) | 1 year |
| Illustrative lost gross earnings | £37,712 |
| Re-entry (cautious) | Bottom of HEO |
Frequently asked questions
What would a career break cost me?
At £37,712, about £37,712 for 1 year, £75,424 for 2 years and £188,560 for 5 years, in gross pay. Your take-home loss is smaller, because tax, National Insurance and pension contributions stop too.
Does it allow for the pay rises I would have had?
No. It multiplies your pay before the break by its length. On our illustrative HEO steps the calculator would have moved you to £38,461 after 1 year; real progression is set by your body and its sponsor department. Pay awards would have added more.
Where will I come back on the pay scale?
Your employer's policy decides. The calculator opens at the bottom of the band, the cautious case; if your employer agrees a higher point, set it in the spine point box.
Does a career break affect my pension?
Usually, yes. An unpaid break builds no pension in a career average scheme, because your pension builds on the pay you earn. Ask your scheme whether you can pay to fill the gap.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
Unless this page says otherwise, figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension). Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Policy Adviser?
A Policy Adviser in an arm’s length body (ALB) supports government or public policy through research, analysis and advice. They are often on civil service–style pay (e.g. HEO/SEO equivalent).
Typical demands, progression and balance
ALB policy work offers influence and variety. Pay and progression depend on the body and grade. Progression to senior adviser or manager is common.
What if I take a career break?
Returning after a break can affect pay and spine position. Use the calculator above to see illustrative re-entry pay and lost earnings.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.