Employment issues

This page gives brief details of legislation relating to doctors' hours and provides a link to pay scales.

doctor with xray

Hours

Under the rules of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) as a resident doctor you should expect:

  • to work on average no more than 48 hours per week
  • to have 11 hours' rest per day and the right to a day off each week
  • a right to a rest break if the working day is longer than six hours
  • 5.6 weeks' paid leave each year

You can find more information at BMA European Working Time Directive

Salary

As a resident doctor you are paid on a national pay scale unless you are informed of any variation to this by your employing NHS Trust. Our pay for doctors page provides more details.

Although your application is made to a Foundation School, you are employed directly by an NHS Trust and you should approach them for further information relating to:

  • pay
  • banding
  • rotas
  • accommodation
Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.