Internal Adverts - NHS

[Minnette]

I used to work for the NHS until 15 months ago. At the time I wanted to take some time off but couldn't get agreement for this from my manager.

I subsequently resigned my post but was advised I would be welcome to reapply for it in the future.

The post has gone unfilled for all this time and now I'm ready to go back to work, the departmental manager has re-advertised my job but has done so by sending an internal advertisment via e-mail to existing employees, which means I can't apply.

There have been three applicants from within the existing department. They have roughly three years experience of the (general) job and no experience whatsoever in the specialist field, whereas I have ten years general experience and six years in the specialist field.

I though all NHS jobs had to be advertised on the NHS jobs website? How on earth can they attract the most suitable people for the job if they offer it only to existing staff?

[violetskies]

Can't you get in touch with HR and ask them how to apply.

[llareggub]

This is a common thing to do where there is a decreasing budget. Managers often seek to fill posts from within the existing structure, and then not replace the subsequent vacancy. It is a way of avoiding redundancies in the short term.

Knowing the current climate in the NHS perhaps this is a possibility?

[Minnette]

yes, you might be right about that.

My union have already been in touch with the HR department, who have said that all their jobs appear on the NHS jobs website.

I'm reluctant to get back in touch because I really don't want to give the manager the satisfaction of knocking me back (she's a grade A monster....)

[tribpot]

At our place, the jobs are advertised internally first, then after 2 weeks if not enough applicants, on NHS jobs. So when did the internal ad go out?

[Minnette]

It went out two weeks ago and closed on Friday but I know they've had applicants.

I also know the applicants are in no way whatsoever suited to the job - would take literally years of (expensive) training. I'm already trained. Seems a weird "solution" for the NHS.

[tribpot]

They may have to through the routine of interviewing the internal candidates in order to demonstrate to HR that they aren't suitable, in order to be allowed to go external, at a guess.

Can the union ask the HR department why this job didn't appear on NHS Jobs?