As an employer of choice, we make sure that our employment policies and practices are always up-to date. Benefits of working for us include:
Annual Leave
Entitlement to annual leave is dependent upon your job grade, length of service and hours worked. The annual leave year starts from the 1st of the month in which you were born and entitlement can range up to 32 days per year
Other leave
As well as maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave, you have access to a range of additional leave benefits including maternity support leave, special leave, compassionate leave and stuck not sick days.
Work Life Balance
The Council is committed to promoting work life balance and has many schemes that employees can make use of. These include flexi time, flexible working, job sharing and emergency time off work.
Pension Scheme
Unless you are employed on a contract of three months or less, you will automatically join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Your contribution rate depends on how much you are paid, but it will be between 5.5 and 7.5% of your salary. When you retire your benefits can include an index linked retirement pension and a tax free lump sum. The scheme also provides for ill health and death benefits.
Training
South Tyneside Council has a positive policy towards identifying and meeting the training needs of all its employees. Accordingly, it is a condition of employment that staff are prepared to participate in any training courses which are felt to be appropriate to their needs. Most training needs will be met within the organisation however you may be required to attend job related short courses.
Health and Wellbeing
The Occupational Health Service within the Council is delivered by a team of professionals who carry out a wide range of employee services including clinical assessments, medicals and health surveillance. The occupational health team also provide regular on site clinics to provide advice on smoking cessation, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise and carry out blood pressure checks. Advice can also be given on travel health, stress management and a range of other topics.
The service also has its own physiotherapist for assessments and treatment of muscular skeletal problems, which can include exercise therapy, acupuncture or other treatments. In addition the Council operates a confidential counselling service, were employees can self refer and be supported through personal or work related issues affecting their mental health.
Child Care Benefits Scheme
The Childcare Benefits Scheme allows employees who are legally responsible for caring for a child up to the age of 15 (16 if your child has a disability) to save money on their registered childcare. The scheme operates through a salary sacrifice agreement where up to £55 a week can be sacrificed directly from salary to the childcare provider and employees don't pay tax or NIC's on the amount sacrificed.
Employee Groups
Four employee groups are established to review and input to council policies and procedures, share information and raise awareness. The four groups are the Black and Minority Ethnic Group, Women’s Group, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group and Disability Group. All employees are able to join the groups.
Travelling Expenses
If you are invited for interview, travelling expenses are payable based on public transport rates and/or standard rail fare.
Criminal Records Bureau
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If the post for which you are applying will have responsibilities for children or vulnerable groups, you will be required to apply for a standard or enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.