NHS Careers UK: Part-Time Jobs with Flexible Hours

The NHS employs staff in hospitals, clinics and community services across the UK, and many of its roles are available on a part-time basis. Part-time NHS work can suit students, parents and professionals who want to combine a job in healthcare with other commitments. Pay varies by role and band; the pay for each post is shown in the vacancy on NHS Jobs.

NHS roles include both direct patient care and work behind the scenes, and many come with training and opportunities to progress.

NHS careers in the UK

The NHS recruits people from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare assistants, administrative staff and support workers. Many of these roles can lead to further training and progression within healthcare.

Vacancies range from entry-level posts to roles that require specialist qualifications.

Why consider part-time work in the NHS

• Structured pay and benefits: NHS posts are paid on structured pay scales, and staff are generally eligible for the NHS Pension Scheme and paid annual leave. The terms of each post are set out in the vacancy.
• Working patterns: depending on the service, shifts may cover mornings, evenings and weekends. The hours for each post are stated in the advert.
• Training and development: NHS employers provide training, and part-time staff can progress into senior clinical or administrative roles.
• Stability: the NHS is a large public-sector employer with roles across the whole country.

See NHS vacancies

Part-time NHS roles can suit parents, students and people with other commitments, and the range of services means that posts are available in many different areas of work.

Examples of healthcare vacancies

The vacancies below, published on this site, are care and clinical roles with independent healthcare providers rather than NHS organisations. They are shown as examples of related work in the sector.

• Care Assistant – Fairlie Healthcare Group – LondonLondon

  Fairlie Healthcare Group advertised a permanent, full-time Care Assistant post in London at £12.25 to £13.25 per hour, with training in specialised clinical skills.

• Care Assistant II – Fairlie Healthcare Group – BirminghamBirmingham

  Fairlie Healthcare Group advertised a permanent Care Assistant post with flexible working at £12.25 to £13.25 per hour, including a fast-track clinical training programme.

• ENT Consultant / Specialist – Communitas Clinics – LondonLondon

  Communitas Clinics advertised ENT Consultant and Specialist posts in London and South East England, providing community ENT care to NHS patients referred by GPs.

See more NHS vacancies

1. Healthcare assistant

This role suits people who are compassionate and patient and who enjoy supporting others. Responsibilities include helping nurses with patient care, assisting patients with mobility and keeping them comfortable during their stay in hospital. Healthcare assistants play an important part in patients’ wellbeing, and the role is a common entry point into NHS work.

2. Administrative support

Administrative staff provide clerical support across NHS departments. Duties may include booking appointments, managing patient records and supporting staff with day-to-day tasks. The role suits people who prefer work behind the scenes that still contributes directly to healthcare services.

3. Nursing and clinical support

Nursing assistants and clinical support staff help to maintain standards of patient care. Their work ranges from monitoring patients to assisting with clinical procedures. Shift patterns depend on the service and are stated in each vacancy.

How to apply for an NHS job online

1. Visit the NHS Jobs website or the recruitment page of the NHS organisation you wish to work for.
2. Create an account or sign in.
3. Search by role and location, and filter for part-time or full-time posts.
4. Complete the online application form, giving details of your experience, qualifications and availability.

Other benefits of NHS work

• Team environment: NHS work involves close collaboration between staff in different departments.
• Pension: eligible staff can join the NHS Pension Scheme.
• Training and wellbeing: NHS employers provide staff training and wellbeing support.

Summary

The NHS offers part-time roles that combine work in healthcare with flexible working patterns, structured pay and opportunities for progression. Students, parents and professionals seeking stability can find roles to suit different circumstances, from healthcare assistant to administrative posts. The pay, hours and terms of each role are set out in the individual vacancy.