Network Rail pay bands

[Sussex Ben]

I’m currently considering applying for a role at Network Rail, and have a few questions which can hopefully be answered here please:

1) The pay band shows a minimum and maximum. Is the starting rate negotiable, or do all new entrants start at the bottom and work their way up? If it’s the latter, what’s the criteria for reaching the top of the band?

2) The role is in Band 2, which always used to show a car allowance and London allowance on job ads, but it’s not included here. Does this mean they don’t apply to new entrants now?

3) When I’ve applied for NR roles before (talking 10-12 years ago now), I’ve been told I can transfer my existing TOC pension in and therefore join the NR final salary scheme. Is this still an option, or do all new entrants need to join the other schemes now?

Any information gratefully received!

 

[TSG]

I’m currently considering applying for a role at Network Rail, and have a few questions which can hopefully be answered here please:

1) The pay band shows a minimum and maximum. Is the starting rate negotiable, or do all new entrants start at the bottom and work their way up? If it’s the latter, what’s the criteria for reaching the top of the band?

2) The role is in Band 2, which always used to show a car allowance and London allowance on job ads, but it’s not included here. Does this mean they don’t apply to new entrants now?

3) When I’ve applied for NR roles before (talking 10-12 years ago now), I’ve been told I can transfer my existing TOC pension in and therefore join the NR final salary scheme. Is this still an option, or do all new entrants need to join the other schemes now?

Any information gratefully received!

1) See https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/network-rail-salary-bands.211936/#post-4892159. If you think you're awesome go push. If they don't agree they'll tell you where to go. Just remember, long term like, what they're advertising is the bottom third of the band. Right now the criteria for working your way up is undefined because the TSSA and NR can't agree on it, so I guess it comes down to your own leverage. There are talks happening so one day there might be a structure but who knows....
2) I still see that on the internal ads, Pretty sure it's still there for all, but I don't run that thing
3) Sorry, no clue, can't keep up with the entire pension landscape

Best of luck

 

[muz379]

3) When I’ve applied for NR roles before (talking 10-12 years ago now), I’ve been told I can transfer my existing TOC pension in and therefore join the NR final salary scheme. Is this still an option, or do all new entrants need to join the other schemes now?

If you leave employment at a TOC , and commence employment at Netwwork Rail within a month then you should be eligible to join the Network Rail Section of RPS 65 straight away . You will need to complete a notice of election as part of the onboarding process if this is the case .

The Network Rail Section of the RPS does accept transfers in from other sections of the RPS , although it is not done automatically , you will have to request a quote from the RPS which will tell you how many years membership your old section benefits will buy you in the new section .

I would think long and hard about it and possibly even get some professional financial advice if it comes to it , because it may be better to leave your old section benefits preserved to give you more flexibility in retirement . Also worth bearing in mind that the Network Rail Care Pension scheme which is also a defined benefit scheme can actually give you better benefits in some circumstances .

 

[Tilting007]

Car allowance for band 2 is £6k.
If you get safeguarded travel you do not get it.
It works out at around £460 every pay period.

 

[Sussex Ben]

Many thanks all, appreciate the helpful responses. @muz379 agreed, very sensible advice regarding pensions options.