Benefits
This is a summary of the main employee benefits the council offers.
Our ambition is to make Northamptonshire an excellent place to live and work…
You will have the opportunity to contribute to that ambition and in the service you provide to make a difference to the people of Northamptonshire.
Work-life balance is important to us…
Hours of work will depend on the nature of the job and for a full-time employee they are normally 37 hours per week. The council has a range of options to help you maintain a work-life balance including a flexible working hours scheme and working arrangements including job share and part-time work for those who seek greater flexibility on the quantity or arrangement of hours worked or the work location. We also offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave arrangements as well as paternity leave and special leave for urgent domestic reasons.
Job satisfaction…
Working for the council can be very rewarding as you have the opportunity to make a real difference. According to the results of our recent Employee Survey - a very high percentage of employees experience job satisfaction.
Salary…
Salary and any other allowances are based on the level or grade range advertised which comes from national and local conditions of service. We review our pay scales each year.
Pension…
We offer a high quality final salary contributory pension scheme provided by the Local Government Pension Scheme. Employees contribute from 5.5% to 7.5% of pensionable earnings and the council also contributes.
The current benefits include:
- A tax-free lump sum when you retire
- A guaranteed pension based on your final salary
- The ability to increase your pension by paying extra contributions
- Index linking-linking to ensure that pensions keep pace with inflation
Life assurance…
We offer life assurance - if you die while employed by the council and are a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme, a death grant of three years’ annual pensionable pay is made.
People Strategy…
The council recognises that its employees are its most important resource. Therefore we have developed an Excellence Through People Strategy which provides an overarching framework within which aligns our people management activities to the council's strategic goals and is an integral part of the way that we manage, develop and deploy the people who work for us.
Personal development is important to us…
Your performance and future learning and development will be reviewed through a performance appraisal. This will ensure you are clear about your role and the contribution you make. It will also help you to assess your development needs and consider the ways in which they will be met. The council is committed to the continuing development of its employees and to obtaining the Investors in People award.
The council offers a range of training courses which are available for all employees, as well as broader learning and development opportunities.
Career development…
The council supports and promotes its own employees - most appointments are made internally. We develop and recognise the talent of our own people.
Holidays…
Our generous holiday entitlement is a minimum of 20 days holiday, more for some grades. This increases to a minimum of 25 days after 5 years' service. In addition you will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays plus 4 other days - 1 of which will be fixed over the Christmas period. This is the full-time entitlement - for part-time employees, holidays are calculated pro rata based on the hours you work.
Commitment to public service…
Special leave - with or without pay as appropriate - is available for a range of public and civic duties such as magistrates, retained firefighters, Territorial Army volunteers and jury service.
Health, safety and well-being is taken seriously…
The council aims to provide a safe working environment. We have a no smoking policy in all our buildings and vehicles. In some locations there may be designated smoking areas but this is not guaranteed.
We also have a confidential counselling service, provided by Employee Assist.
An Occupational Health Service is provided to the council by Medigold Health Consultancy Limited. They provide the following services: pre-employment health screening, medical health supervision and occupational health advice on employment and pensions.
Sickness benefits…
We will support you when you are genuinely ill. Our sickness benefit scheme is paid in conjunction with Statutory Sick Pay and increases in stages from one month's full pay when you start work to 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay after 5 years service. Conditions apply.
Travel…
We ensure that if you have to travel for work your travel costs are reimbursed. This will include public transport costs or, if you are required to use your car, motorcycle or cycle you will be eligible for a mileage allowance. Car loans or car leasing arrangements may be available for senior employees or those who are required to travel significant distances for work.
Discounts…
Are available on a range of services and products provided by organisations and shops in Northamptonshire.
Donate money to charity tax effectively through Gift Aid…
A regular Gift Aid deduction from your salary enables your favourite charity to claim back the tax due on the donation.
A Credit Union…
Gives employees access to a low cost savings and loan facility scheme.
Equality and diversity…
The council supports equality and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. We aim to have a workforce that represents the community that we serve.