Doctor On-Call Availability Allowance
3% – 8% of basic
2016 hospital doctor contract — pensionable supplement, England
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
On-Call Availability Allowance by Grade (Resident, 8% of Basic)
| Grade | Basic | Resident (8%) | Non-resident (3%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (NP1) | £38,831 | £3,106.48 | £1,164.93 |
| F2 (NP2) | £44,439 | £3,555.12 | £1,333.17 |
| Core / IMT / ST1–2 (NP3) | £52,656 | £4,212.48 | £1,579.68 |
| ST3–5 (NP4) | £65,048 | £5,203.84 | £1,951.44 |
| ST6+ (NP5) | £73,992 | £5,919.36 | £2,219.76 |
The on-call availability allowance is a pensionable percentage of basic pay paid to doctors who are formally on an on-call rota outside of their contracted hours. It compensates for the fact that being on-call restricts your activities even when not actively working.
Two rates under the 2016 contract:
- Resident on-call: 8% of basic salary — doctor is required to sleep at the hospital and can be called to clinical work at any time
- Non-resident on-call: 3% of basic salary — doctor is available from home but expected to attend if needed
The allowance is paid as an annual amount, regardless of how many on-call hours you actually work. If you do work during an on-call period, that work pays separately (basic hourly rate, plus 37% night enhancement if between 9pm–7am).
Availability allowance is pensionable under the NHS Pension Scheme — it counts towards pensionable pay for both contribution calculation and pension benefit accrual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the on-call availability allowance?
8% of basic for resident on-call (sleeping in hospital) and 3% for non-resident on-call (available from home). For an ST3 (£65,048 basic), that’s £5,204/year resident or £1,951/year non-resident.
Is on-call availability allowance pensionable?
Yes. The allowance counts as pensionable pay for both your employee contribution rate calculation and your pension benefit accrual under the NHS Pension Scheme.
Do I get paid for hours worked on-call?
Yes — separately from the allowance. Hours actually worked are paid at basic hourly rate, plus 37% night enhancement if between 9pm and 7am. The allowance only covers the time spent available but not actively working.
What’s the difference between resident and non-resident on-call?
Resident on-call requires you to sleep at the hospital and be immediately available. Non-resident means you can be at home but reachable and expected to attend within an agreed time. Resident pays the higher 8% allowance because of the greater restriction on personal time.
Do consultants get the same on-call allowance?
Consultants have a separate on-call structure under the 2003/2004 consultant contract, distinct from the 2016 contract for resident doctors. The percentages and arrangements differ — check your consultant contract terms.