Use this calculator to estimate your potential MARS (Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme) severance payment. MARS is a voluntary arrangement used by NHS organisations to support organisational change—it is not the same as redundancy or pension-based schemes.

Please note: Different NHS Trusts run time-limited MARS rounds with their own payment tables. This calculator provides an estimate based on typical schemes. Always confirm final figures with your HR department.

Your Details

Enter your annual gross basic pay (excluding overtime, allowances, etc.)
Enter either monthly or weekly, and it will auto-convert to annual
Your total continuous service across NHS organisations
Part-time payments will be pro-rated
This is for reference only and does not affect the calculation
Tax applies to amounts above £30,000. This is guidance only.

Frequently Asked Questions

About MARS

MARS (Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme) is a voluntary severance arrangement used by NHS organisations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to support organisational change. Unlike redundancy, MARS is a mutually agreed departure that provides financial compensation based on your salary and length of NHS service.

Each NHS Trust or organisation runs time-limited MARS rounds with their own specific payment tables, eligibility criteria, and caps. Payments typically follow a structure based on years of continuous NHS service multiplied by weeks of pay, with various caps applied.

Key differences:

  • MARS vs Redundancy: MARS is voluntary and mutually agreed, while redundancy is a compulsory dismissal. The legal protections and calculation methods differ.
  • MARS vs Pension: MARS is a severance payment, not connected to your NHS pension. It does not provide pension benefits or early retirement options.

For more information, consult the official guidance from NHS England and NHS Employers.