Your first NHS payslip: a guide for new doctors

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By Dr Ed Cantelo

Starting your first job as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor is exciting - and a little overwhelming. Congratulations on reaching this stage! Among the many firsts you’ll experience, one of them will be your very first NHS payslip which you should have received by now.

Understanding it isn’t always straightforward, but don’t worry - in this guide we’ll break down your payslip, explain your tax code, and show you how to claim tax relief on your professional expenses.

1. What’s on your NHS payslip

At the top of your payslip, you’ll see:

• Personal details - name, assignment number, job title, and department
• National Insurance (NI) number - make sure this is correct
• Tax Office Reference - you’ll need this when claiming tax relief
• Tax Code - more on this later

Always double-check your Assignment Number matches what’s on your ESR (Electronic Staff Record), as this links your payment records.