Benefits for staff

The Council offers a wide range of benefits to our employees.

Pensions

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a final salary scheme that provides excellent benefits including a guaranteed pension and lump sum, life cover with dependants' pensions and ill health benefits. You can read more about the scheme at the Local Government Pension Scheme website.

Most employees automatically join the Local Government Pension Scheme (casual or relief employees are not eligible to join the scheme). However, you do have the right to opt out if you choose to.

Annual Leave

We offer a minimum of 23 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays, with additional leave entitlement for long service. Those who work part time have leave calculated on a pro rata basis, depending on the number of hours they work.

Flexible working

We will consider requests for a range of flexible working options to help staff achieve a better balance between their home and work commitments, and to balance the needs of our services.

These include varied work patterns including flexi-time and home based working, together with paid and unpaid leave.

Family leave

We have always recognised the importance of the family, and the need to support working parents and carers in ways that help them balance their work and family lives. We know there are times when the needs of dependants (children, partners, elderly parents) have to come first. At these times the Council will do what it can to accommodate your need to take time off. We offer maternity, paternity and adoption leave above the statutory minimum. Staff who care for adults or a disabled child are entitled to carers leave.

Childcare Vouchers Scheme

If you are using registered or approved childcare, you can choose to take part of your salary in childcare vouchers to pay for it.

Private Health Insurance

The Council has a staff contributory private healthcare scheme, open to all staff, run in association with Aviva.

Give as you Earn Scheme

We participate in a payroll-giving scheme, which allows employees to make tax-free donations to registered charities.

Season ticket loans

An interest-free season ticket loan scheme is in operation for all employees after completion of probation period.

Bicycle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

The bicycle salary sacrifice scheme lets staff lease a new bicycle through the Council with an option to buy at the end of the leasing period. The scheme has financial benefits for both the employee and the Council.

Special discounts

Free swimming and discounted leisure facilities in the borough are avaialble to help you lead a healthy lifestyle. There are also offers on library services, beauty, entertainment and dining.