Assumptions and pay data
- NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook, section 14.2: 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.
- Section 12.1 counts continuous service with any NHS employer, and 12.5 counts earlier NHS service after a break of 12 months or less.
- Paid sick leave in the 12 months before your absence starts is deducted (14.7). Absence from an injury at work is not counted.
- Full sick pay includes Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In half pay months, half pay plus SSP cannot come to more than full pay (14.6).
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
EnglandNHS Agenda for Change employersFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Paramedic
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for Paramedic under NHS Agenda for Change at NHS. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for Paramedic
As Paramedic at NHS, occupational sick pay usually follows NHS Agenda for Change. 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 AfC section 14
| Sector terms (example) | NHS Agenda for Change |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do NHS staff on Agenda for Change 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 (section 14.2).
Does service with another NHS employer count?
Yes. Continuous NHS service counts (12.1), and earlier NHS service counts again if your break was 12 months or less (12.5).
How does the 12-month look-back work?
When an absence starts, paid sick leave in the previous 12 months is deducted from your entitlement (14.7). With 5 years' service and 2 months on full pay in that time, you would have up to 4 months on full pay left, then 6 months on half pay.
Is Statutory Sick Pay paid on top?
Not on top of full pay: full sick pay includes Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In half pay months, half pay plus SSP can be paid, but not more than full pay (14.6).
Are unsocial hours payments included in sick pay?
For most staff, no. Since 1/7/2018, full sick pay for new starters and anyone on basic pay above £18,160 is basic pay plus any high cost area supplement and pay protection (14.5). Absence from an injury at work is treated differently.
What is 6 months' full pay in pounds for a Paramedic?
The calculator shows months, not pounds. You reach 6 months of each after 5 years. As a guide, at £39,959, the first point of the Band 6 scale from 1/4/2026, 6 months on full pay is about £19,980 and 6 months on half pay about £9,990, before tax and pension. On a higher salary, scale it up.
What if my sick pay runs out during a long absence?
After 12 months of continuous absence, half pay can be reinstated until your employer holds the final review meeting. With more than 5 years' service, that happens if your sick pay ran out before the meeting; if you had less than 5 years' service, it happens if your sick pay ran out and the meeting has not taken place within 12 months of your absence starting. Either way, it applies only where the delay is your employer's (14.10 to 14.12).
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About this role
What is a Paramedic?
A Paramedic is a registered healthcare professional who provides urgent and emergency care, often in ambulances, at scene or in emergency departments. They assess, treat and stabilise patients and work to protocols and clinical guidelines. Most registered paramedic posts in England are Agenda for Change Band 6; some newly qualified or transitional posts may be Band 5.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Paramedicine offers variety, autonomy and clear impact on patients. Pay and satisfaction depend on trust, role (e.g. critical care) and location. Progression to advanced practice, education or management is common.
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.