Enhanced pay for Cambridge-based employees

EEAST is piloting enhanced pay for staff based from Cambridge stations to increase recruitment and reduce attrition rates in South Cambridgeshire.

From August, eligible staff will see an enhancement of 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,192 and a maximum payment of £2,011).

This has been introduced because South Cambridgeshire continues to suffer with substantial staffing issues and the ability to cover shifts (most critically night shifts), which is having a detrimental effect on our ability to provide patient care.

The high cost of living in Cambridge City is a factor in recruitment and retention.
Cambridge is the most expensive city to live in outside of London.

The payment will apply to all staff (irrespective of directorate) with a base station of Cambridge only (i.e. includes A&E, PTS, Make Ready, Air Ops and any other staff with a base station in Cambridge).

• The allowance will increase base salary and may therefore also affect payments related to base salary (e.g. unsocial and overtime).
• The allowance will be pensionable.
• The previously approved enhanced recruitment payment to Emergency Care Assistants will also apply in addition to this payment.

The enhanced regional pay is going to be paid for from EEAST’s standing budget and is intended to eventually pay for itself in terms of reducing overtime payments and the costs associated with staff attrition.

The enhanced payment is being introduced on a 12-month trial basis and will be measured against expected improvements in vacancy rates, sickness rates, turnover rates, shift cover and C1 and C2 performance in South Cambridgeshire

Why are cost of living payments not available to other staff living in expensive areas?
This is not a cost of living enhancement, but is an incentive designed to address a unique challenge in recruitment, retention and day-to-day operations in South Cambridgeshire.

Staff who think they are eligible for this payment and have any questions, should contact their line manager.

Published 28th July 2023