Salary structure

Our pay structure is based on the nationally agreed salary spine for local government office staff, with an annual pay review. We have an ongoing job evaluation process to ensure that the grading of posts is fair given the type and level of skills and experience that are needed to undertake the work. (This does not apply to teachers, youth workers, adult education workers and firefighters).

Continuous service

Service with any local authority (and other specified organisations), which is continuous with your employment with the council, will count towards calculation of annual leave, sick pay, maternity leave and pay and redundancy pay.

Childcare

All working parents are entitled to receive non-taxable childcare vouchers as part of their salary. Employees who are currently paying for registered or approved childcare can apply to receive childcare vouchers, up to a maximum of £243 per month (dependent on earnings). Because the vouchers can only be redeemed by their childcarer, they do not attract National Insurance contributions or tax. Where both parents are basic rate taxpayers there could be savings of up to £1800 per year. The vouchers can be used for any registered childcare for children up to the age of 16.

Details of all types of childcare provision in the Oxfordshire area are available from the Oxfordshire Family Information Service on 08452 262636.

Travel to work schemes

The employee travel to work schemes offer easy methods to buy bicycles (including accessories) and train tickets at discounted prices.

Health and work

We hope that you will enjoy your time working with us, but during their careers some staff will inevitably experience problems either connected with work or their personal lives. We have an Occupational Health Service which can provide support and advice to help staff cope with the difficult times. If a member of staff becomes ill or disabled and this will affect their long-term ability to do their job, we work with the Occupational Health Service so that where possible, the person can remain in their job or a suitable alternative post. We also have a Staff Care Service to help staff deal with work based and/or personal problems.

Pension and retirement

Employees with a contract of employment for three months or more will be brought into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) automatically from the first day of employment, unless they elect, prior to the first day, not to become a member. If the contract is for less than three months there is no eligibility to join the scheme. Contributions range from 5.5% - 7.5% of whole time equivalent salary plus pensionable allowances, and are assessed annually in accordance with the council's Pensions Policy Statement and the following table:

*The salary ranges above will be increased each year at 1 April in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI).

Although membership of the Pension Scheme is highly recommended, the Local Government Pension Scheme is not a compulsory membership scheme and as an alternative you could opt out and either take out a personal pension plan or join the Additional State Pension Scheme.

The normal age of retirement for the Local Government Pension Scheme (both men and women) is currently 65 years. There are different regulations and arrangements for teachers and firefighters pension schemes.