I was just thinking this. Know many NHS tech people in my circle. None earn 70k+.

Contractors potentially but they'd generally be on 100k+ if the rates are at all competitive. Though contracting has dwindled in recent times because of the IR35 legislation and org budgets.

I'm very much on the lookout for IT contracting gigs and don't come across many at all for the NHS.

I'd imagine it's contractor rates.