Assumptions and pay data
- 2016 terms and conditions, Schedule 10 para 49: 1 month's full pay and 2 months' half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 4 months of each in your third year, 5 months of each in your fourth and fifth years and 6 months of each after 5 years.
- Para 50: the scale follows the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook and changes when the NHS Staff Council changes it.
- Para 51: full pay includes regularly paid enhancements, allowances, premia and London weighting.
- You can self-certify days 1 to 7; after that you need a medical certificate (para 44).
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
EnglandNHS resident / junior doctor contract (2016), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
Loading calculator…
Guide for Junior Doctor
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for Junior Doctor under NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016) at NHS. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for Junior Doctor
As Junior Doctor at NHS, occupational sick pay usually follows NHS Junior Doctor. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 6 months on full pay and 6 months on half pay in a rolling period. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Example at 5 years' service: 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, under the 2016 resident doctor contract
| Sector terms (example) | NHS Junior Doctor |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do resident doctors get?
1 month's full pay and 2 months' half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 4 months of each in your third year, 5 months of each in your fourth and fifth years and 6 months of each after 5 years (Schedule 10 para 49, table 2).
Are my enhancements included in sick pay?
Yes. Para 51 says full pay includes regularly paid enhancements, allowances, premia and London weighting, based on what you would have earned at work, usually over the previous three months.
Can my employer extend sick pay?
Yes, in exceptional circumstances (para 52), especially where an extension would help you return to work or recover.
Do I have to make up shifts I missed?
No. Para 45 says you do not have to repay your employer, in time or pay, for scheduled duties you could not do because you were ill.
What is 6 months' full pay in pounds for a Junior Doctor?
The calculator shows months, not pounds. You reach 6 months of each after 5 years. As a guide, at £41,226 basic pay, the first nodal point (FY1) from 1/4/2026, 6 months on full pay is about £20,613 and 6 months on half pay about £10,307, before tax and pension. On a higher salary, scale it up.
Do you store my information?
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 Junior Doctor?
A Junior Doctor is a doctor in postgraduate training (foundation, core or specialty). They work under supervision in hospitals and community, with pay on the national junior doctor contract (England) or equivalent.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Junior doctor roles offer rapid learning and variety. Pay and conditions depend on grade, rotation and contract. Progression is through training to CCT and consultant or GP.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.