Working in healthcare is no doubt very stressful, but it’s also a job that makes a lot of difference and holds a lot of meaning. Healthcare professionals, however, should also ironically watch their own health and be sure to take time off and relax in their free time.
It sounds simple enough but many people who work in healthcare will work difficult hours and may need to come in on short notice, if there’s an emergency or stay late. So getting out of “work mode” isn’t as easy as it may sound. Fatigue and stress are all too common problems for health care professionals but there are some simple ways that can help.
If you have a particularly difficult day talk to someone about it, it could be a friend or relative or even someone online. There are many online forums out there exclusively for healthcare professionals, exercise is also another great way to relieve stress and clear your mind.
And perhaps the most important one is to treat yourself every now again, whether it’s a day out with friends, a new gadget or a relaxing spa treatment. But we all know money doesn’t grow on trees which means this last one could seem difficult, but did you know there are many tax benefits available to healthcare professionals?
The Healthcare Worker Tax Rebate
The Healthcare Worker Tax rebate is covered by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) tax relief for employees legislation and is available to both private sector and NHS healthcare professionals. You can apply for tax relief on a wide number of different things including fees for professional subscriptions, union memberships (like UNISON), uniform costs, business mileage and even for equipment.
Different rules govern each of these categories depending on exactly what you are applying for tax relief on. You will also need records of proof, especially if you’re claiming for business mileage, you will also need to prove that any equipment you purchase is needed for you to carry out your job.
Applying for the healthcare workers tax rebate can be done online if the claim is less than £2500 or by phone or a self assessment tax return if it is more than that. Another important thing to note is that if you are applying for a tax rebate for professional membership or subscription fees, it can be for any time within the past four tax years.
More Valuable Savings
Another valuable bonus for healthcare professionals is the current allowances in place for healthcare professionals, these cover certain uniform costs for buying shoes and tights and perhaps most importantly uniform washing costs as well. The current amounts for each tax year are £6 for tights, £12 for shoes and £125 for uniform washing.
There’s no doubt that working within the healthcare industry, in any capacity, is a job with many great benefits but they are also jobs that are difficult and sometimes emotionally draining. So you should always make time for yourself and explore the various ways you can save some money, giving you more ways to enjoy the things you love.
