Please talk to your employer and/or trade union. Trainees should be aware that any time spent out of programme in a non-NHS setting will have an effect on both their cumulative NHS service and their continuous employment. This has practical implications for employment rights such as pay, pension entitlement, maternity leave and pay, parental leave, and other entitlements. Trainees considering going out of programme can speak to their employer and, if they are a member, the BMA, for further advice on these issues.