Process simplified to help retiring NHS staff to return to work

Retiring NHS staff will be able to return to work more easily under new national guidelines.

Under the changes, the process for experienced staff to take up a part-time post while drawing their pension will be streamlined.

The changes were developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with employers and trade unions.

It followed calls for the process to be made more simple.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf explained that the policy will help health boards to continue to strengthen the NHS workforce.

“Employees who are considering retirement have skills and experience that are invaluable to the NHS, and I am pleased we have been able to answer the demand for a quicker and easier process to let those who wish to continue in a part-time role to do so,” he said.

“This plan allows staff to apply to return to work part-time when they start the process to retire.

“It can be the same job or a different role in the same job family, and some will prefer to return to a lower grade with fewer responsibilities, or take on a mentoring role with newer members of staff.

“Staffing in Scotland’s NHS is at a record high, and this policy will help health boards continue to strengthen the workforce while allowing individual members of staff the flexibility to continue working in the NHS for longer, by varying the nature or pattern of work, to best suit their needs.

“As the NHS continues to recover and remobilise from the pandemic, it is more important than ever that we retain experienced staff with the skills we need to provide high quality care.”