Here’s the good news. Once you understand where your details live and how each tool fits together, checking your NHS payslip becomes one of the easiest tasks in your month. No more guessing where the new slip has been uploaded. No more scrolling through forgotten bookmarks. And definitely no more waiting for HR to forward a PDF.
Let’s walk through everything step by step, the way real NHS staff actually use it.
Finding Your NHS Payslip Without the Confusion
Before you click anything, here’s what actually matters.
Your payslip almost always sits inside ESR (Electronic Staff Record). Every NHS Trust uses ESR to manage pay, tax codes, deductions, and work records.
Still, some trusts use extra tools like:
- NHS e-Roster for scheduling
- Local payroll dashboards for internal notices
- NHS login for identity checks
- ESR app for mobile access
This leads to a lot of “Wait… am I logging in on the right screen?” moments.
But in reality, only one place stores the actual payslip: ESR Self-Service.
If you can access ESR, you can access everything.
Your Quick Path to Viewing Your NHS Payslip
Here’s the simple route most staff follow every month:
- Go to www.esr.nhs.uk
- Select “Employee Self-Service (ESS)”
- Log in with your ESR username and password
- Click My Pay & Rewards
- Open your newest payslip
- Download it as a PDF if needed
That’s really it. No detours.
Your payslip is usually uploaded two to three days before payday, so you can review it early. Weekend or bank holiday? It may appear a little earlier depending on payroll processing.
A Clear Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Your NHS Payslip
Let’s break the process down properly so it feels effortless next time you try it.
Step 1: Open ESR
Use a browser like Chrome or Edge and type:
www.esr.nhs.uk
If your trust uses a specific link for employee self-service, HR normally provides it in your starter pack.
Step 2: Choose “Employee Self-Service”
This opens a login page that looks slightly different depending on your trust, but all versions connect to the same ESR system.
Step 3: Enter Your Login Details
You’ll need:
- ESR Username
- ESR Password
If you don’t know these yet, don’t worry we’ll cover setup further down.
Step 4: Head to “My Pay & Rewards”
This tab is the heart of everything pay-related, including:
- Current and past payslips
- Tax code information
- Pension details
- Year-to-date totals
Step 5: Open and Download Your Payslip
You can:
- View it directly
- Save it as a PDF
- Print it for mortgage or visa applications
Once you’re familiar with the layout, you’ll get through this in seconds.
When Exactly Can You View Your NHS Payslip?
Most NHS staff see their new payslip around the 24th–26th of the month, depending on your Trust’s payroll cycle. Some get it as early as the 22nd.
NHS payroll teams try to upload payslips before salary hits your bank, so you have time to check things like:
- Enhancements
- Overtime
- Tax code changes
- Unsocial hours
- Travel claims
If something looks wrong, this window gives you space to query it before payday.
Understanding Your NHS Pay Per Hour (In the Easiest Way Possible)
NHS pay is based on Agenda for Change (AfC) bands. These include:
- Band
- Spine point
- Years of service
- Enhancements
To keep it simple, your hourly pay is normally:
Annual salary ÷ 52 weeks ÷ contracted weekly hours
So for a Band 5 full-time post (37.5 hours), the hourly rate is based on dividing the annual amount across working weeks and hours.
Things that can increase your hourly earnings include:
- Nights
- Weekends
- Bank shifts
- Overtime
- Unsocial hours
Your payslip will show each of these separately under earnings.
Inside Your NHS Payslip: The Bits That Actually Matter
The NHS payslip layout is fairly standard. Here’s what each part means in normal English.
Basic Pay
Your contracted salary, split across the monthly pay cycle.
Enhancements
Extra earnings for:
- Nights
- Weekends
- Bank holidays
- On-call
- Overtime
These add up fast if you work shifts.
Tax Code
Shows how HMRC calculates your tax. If your code suddenly changes, check your HMRC portal this is a common reason net pay drops.
National Insurance
Mandatory contribution. The rate depends on your earnings.
NHS Pension
Usually 7–9.3% depending on salary band. This helps build your NHS pension benefits.
Student Loan
Only shows if you’re repaying Plan 1, 2, 4, or Postgrad loans.
Other Deductions
Could include:
- Union fees
- Cycle-to-work
- Car parking
- Trust-specific deductions
Net Pay
Your final take-home amount.
Year-to-Date (YTD) Summary
Shows total amounts since April, including:
- Earnings
- Tax
- NI
- Pension
Many staff check this for mortgage applications.
How to Get an ESR Login for the First Time
If you’re new to the NHS or recently changed trusts, you’ll get your login details from HR.
Here’s what usually happens:
- HR registers your details on ESR
- You receive an email with your username
- You set your password
- You answer security questions
- You confirm identification
- You log into ESR for the first time
Sometimes you’ll need your:
- Employee number
- NI Number
- Date of birth
If no email arrives, check your spam folder or speak to payroll this is extremely common.
ESR Mobile App vs Website Which One’s Better?
The ESR app is surprisingly smooth once you’re set up. Here’s how they compare in real life.
ESR Mobile App
Great for:
- Viewing payslips on the go
- Checking roster info (if integrated)
- Quick profile updates
- Fast login once authenticated
Less great for:
- Downloading PDF copies (depends on device)
ESR Website
Best for:
- Downloading and printing payslips
- Viewing detailed pension/tax information
- Accessing full HR documents
- Using a desktop when you need concentration
Most NHS staff end up using both depending on the situation.
Why You Can’t Log In And How to Fix It Quickly
Nothing slows you down like login issues. Here’s what usually causes the problem.
1. Forgotten Username
Happens all the time.
Fix: HR or payroll can resend it.
2. Forgotten Password
Use the “Forgot Password” link on ESR.
3. Account Locked
Occurs after too many wrong attempts.
Fix: HR resets the account manually.
4. Email Not Receiving Reset Links
Trust email filters can block automated messages.
Fix: Ask IT to whitelist ESR emails.
5. ESR App Not Syncing
Remove the app, reinstall, and log in fresh.
6. Wrong Portal
Many staff mix up:
- NHS login
- Local trust login
- ESR login
- E-roster login
Remember: Your payslip is only on ESR.
What If Your Payslip Doesn’t Look Right?
It happens more often than people admit. Here’s what to check first:
Missing Overtime or Enhancements
Check whether:
- Shifts were signed off
- E-roster synced properly
- Supervisor approved the timesheet
Sudden Tax Changes
Log in to the HMRC app to confirm your tax code.
Lower Pension Contribution
You may have moved bands or changed contracted hours.
Wrong Band or Spine Point
This must be corrected by payroll immediately.
Incorrect Hours
Look at your contracted hours on the ESR profile.
If anything looks seriously off, screenshot it and send it to your Trust payroll team they deal with this every day.
Who to Contact About NHS Payslip Problems
Depending on your issue, here’s who helps fastest:
- Payroll department best for deductions, earnings, missing enhancements
- HR team best for login issues or employee record problems
- Roster administrator best for missing shifts or unsocial hours
- Line manager best for shift queries
- IT department best for locked email access or app issues
Most Trusts reply within 48–72 hours.
Quick NHS Payslip FAQ
How do I get my NHS payslip?
By logging in to ESR Self-Service through www.esr.nhs.uk.
When can I view my NHS payslip?
Usually 2–3 days before payday.
How much is NHS pay per hour?
It depends on your Agenda for Change band and contracted hours.
How do I log in to my NHS account?
Use your ESR username + password via Employee Self-Service.
What is e-Roster?
It’s your trust’s scheduling system. It does not store payslips.
A Final Note Before You Log In Again
Once you get the hang of ESR, everything starts to feel simpler. Your payslip stops being a hassle and becomes a quick check-in to make sure everything lines up your enhancements, your overtime, your tax code, your pension. We all know NHS work is demanding, so the digital side shouldn’t drain your time too.
A few minutes each month, a quick scan through your payslip, and you’ll feel completely in control of your pay. And honestly, you deserve that clarity.
Rachel combines her technical expertise with a flair for clear, accessible writing. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, she specializes in creating detailed tech-focused content, Govt Jobs, Payslips that educates our readers about the latest in web development and SEO tools at Spinbot blog.