Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: NHS Consultant Contract (England, 2003). Consultant (2003 contract): £113,565 to £150,569, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 7/10/2026.
- 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 spine point you choose on Consultant (2003 contract); 0 is the bottom, £113,565.
- 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
EnglandUsually consultant contract basic pay plus management / SPA arrangements (confirm locally)Framework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Clinical Director
This guide helps Clinical Director at NHS plan unpaid or non-paid breaks and illustrative re-entry pay on Consultant (2003 contract). Parental leave has separate rules; use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for enhanced pay during leave.
Career breaks for Clinical Director
A career break, sabbatical or extended unpaid leave may mean no salary for a period. For Clinical Director on Consultant (2003 contract) at NHS, 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 £113,565 costs £113,565 in gross pay, with a cautious return at the bottom of Consultant (2003 contract). The calculator opens on 2 years (£227,130).
| Pay before break (example) | £113,565 |
|---|---|
| Break length (example) | 1 year |
| Illustrative lost gross earnings | £113,565 |
| Re-entry (cautious) | Bottom of Consultant (2003 contract) |
Frequently asked questions
What would a career break cost me?
At £113,565, about £113,565 for 1 year, £227,130 for 2 years and £567,825 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 Consultant (2003 contract) you would also have reached £120,249 after 3 years in the band, and 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?
All figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension) unless the page says otherwise. 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 Clinical Director?
A Clinical Director is a senior doctor or clinician who leads a service, department or division. They combine clinical work with management. Pay is typically on the consultant contract (basic salary thresholds) plus management or SPA arrangements.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Clinical director roles offer leadership and service improvement. Pay and satisfaction depend on trust and scope. Progression to medical director or broader leadership 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.