10 September 2025
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.