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Parents

7th September 2020 by Richard Fieldhouse

Parents

NASGP membership is completely free from the point you notify us that you’re on parenting leave.

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Parenting FAQs

Will my NHS pension contributions be annualised if I go on maternity leave?

This depends on several factors – see our full article on NHS pension annualisation for more.

What is the model contract?

The BMA’s model contract helps salaried GPs get a good contract.

Amongst other things it includes:

  • An entitlement to one session of CPD per week for full time (and pro rata for part time).
  • Paid time for practice meetings.
  • Whitley council pay for sick and maternity pay.
  • Recognition of all previous NHS work experience as “continuous” for the purpose of these entitlements.

But beware:

  • Some employers are refusing to recognise previous NHS service as continuous so you must ensure that the contract you sign has an agreed date from which you are considered to have started in the NHS (usually when you started working unless you have taken large breaks).
  • Ensure that you agree some form of annual pay rise, including seniority, as there is no provision for this in the contract and the current recommended pay range does not include a “ladder” which you can climb up automatically (unlike salaried hospital doctors).
  • Check any amendments suggested by your employer with your local BMA Industrial Relations Officer.

Are GP locums entitled to statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance?

If you are a self employed locum you can not claim Statutory Maternity pay but, if you’re eligible, you can claim standard-rate Maternity Allowance. You can claim as soon as you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks, and payments can start 11 weeks before your baby is due.

Fill out the simple application form on the gov.uk website.

See also

More on paternity and maternity

"I was introduced to the local locum chambers several months ago when I made a career move from partnership. I now combine salaried and locum roles. The chambers provides helpful support, leadership, advice and governance and reduces professional isolation. This combination of support reassures me and helps me provide safe and consistent care to patients within the community . There is a useful, innovative online portal - LocumDeck - which helps me access local work and which has efficient systems for reconciliation of finance including pensions. I would highly recommend joining a locum chambers for any GPs starting out in the locum world ."

Dr Adrian Richardson, GP

Dr Adrian Richardson, GP

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