Terms & conditions of employment
The following outlines the Council's main terms and conditions of employment. If you require further information email Human Resources or telephone 01993 861505.
Salary
This is shown on the advert and job description. The starting salary will depend on the skills, previous experience and in some instances the applicant's qualifications. Incremental progression within the salary grade will be on the 1st of April each year to the maximum of the grade.
Hours
The standard office hours are 37 hours per week, normally 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Thursday and 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Friday. For some posts the hours may differ and this is detailed in the working arrangements section of the job description.
There is a flexi-time scheme but it does not apply to all jobs. Staff are not obliged to participate in the scheme. Whether or not the scheme applies to the post you are interested in will normally be discussed at interview.
Holidays
The annual leave year runs from 1st April to 31st March. In addition to bank holidays the entitlement is:
24 days on appointment to Local Government
29 days after 5 years continuous service
32 days after 10 years continuous service
For part-time staff annual leave and bank holiday entitlement will be calculated pro rata.
For some posts the holiday entitlement may differ from the above and where this applies this will be indicated on the advertisment.
Pension
Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme is optional. For those who wish to join the current employees contribution is dependant on salary. Further details can be found on http://www.lgps.org.uk/. On joining staff are automatically entered in to the Scheme and must 'opt out' if they do not wish to continue with their membership.
Sick Pay Scheme
There is a non-contributory sick pay scheme which provides, during the first year of service - one month's full pay and, after completing four months' service, two months' half pay. This progresses each year to a maximum of six months' full pay and six months' half pay after five years' service.
Medical
Appointment to all jobs is subject to medical clearance by the Council's Medical Advisor. If there is anything about your state of health that the Council as an employer ought to know, this should be disclosed in the relevant section of the personal details part of the application form and should be mentioned at interview.
Probation Period
A six-month probation period will normally be attached to the post to assess suitability for employment. During this period progress will be assessed and discussed both informally and by way of two formal interviews with the manager. In certain circumstances, the Council will agree to waive the requirement for a probationary period for applicants who join the Council from another local authority.
Essential Car User/Casual Car User Allowance
If an essential/casual car user allowance is attached to this post this will be indicated on the advert and job description. Where either of these allowances apply, staff may be subject to income tax dependent upon your annual mileage.
Private Medical Insurance
For posts above a certain grade, the Council has a fully funded Private Medical Insurance scheme with the Permanent Health Company. If this benefit applies to a job that you are interested in it will be shown on the advert and job description.
The scheme provides for private medical attention in the event of serious illness or injury, giving the assurance of prompt treatment. It is possible for the employee to extend this cover to his or her partner and children at very attractive rates. Private Medical Insurance is a taxable benefit.
Relocation
For senior posts, a relocation scheme is available and is intended to compensate newly recruited employees who, due to their appointment, need to sell and repurchase their main property. If this benefit applies to a job that you are interested in it will be shown on the advert and job description.
In approved cases the Council will pay up to £8,000 relocation costs, full details can be provided by contacting Human Resources by telephone on 01993 861505 or by emailing human.resources@westoxon.gov.uk .
Equal Opportunities Policy
West Oxfordshire District Council is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity as an employer and as a provider of services.
This Council values the individual potential that people with different characteristics, beliefs, lifestyles, backgrounds, skills and abilities bring to our society. It recognises that some people can suffer unfair treatment as a result of these different characteristics. The Council is committed to treating all people equally and fairly in its employment practices and service delivery to the public and will prevail upon others to do likewise.
No Smoking Policy
The Council has a no smoking policy in all its buildings.
