Rewards and benefits - Dorset County Council

Annual leave

We offer a generous annual leave allowance, starting from 23 days rising to a maximum of 31 days. The specific entitlement will be determined by length of service and the grade of the job and is in addition to the eight national bank holidays.

We can also offer additional paid leave to support employees engaged in unpaid work within the community such as acting as a school governor.

Hours of work

The basic working week is 37 hours. A range of flexible working options are available in some roles through the Personalised Working Pattern Plus scheme, with a flexitime scheme also available where appropriate.

Salary scales and increments

Normally starting salary is determined according to qualifications and experience. Progression through the pay scale is by means of annual increments, subject to satisfactory service. If you start between 1 April and 30 September, you will receive your first incremental increase on next 1 April. If you start between 1 October and 31 March you will receive your first increment after 6 months. Salary scales are reviewed nationally each April.

Payment of salary

Salaries are paid monthly by bank credit transfer. The transfer takes place on the last working day of each month.

Pension scheme

The council offers membership of the Local Government or Teachers Pension Schemes to its employees, as appropriate. Both are final salary schemes, offering excellent benefits at retirement. Membership is automatic unless you choose to opt out of the scheme.

Relocation scheme

Subject to qualification, we offer a generous relocation package and an extra day’s leave to move house. The package includes re-imbursement of removal fees (legal fees, estate agent fees and one building society survey fee) up to a maximum of £6533, together with a disturbance allowance and a contribution towards temporary accommodation costs for up to six months where employees are separated from dependents with whom they would normally live.

Childcare voucher scheme

Working with Imagine Co-operative Childcare, we offer a childcare voucher scheme to all employees. This provides the opportunity to exchange up to £243 of salary per calendar month for childcare vouchers. You will not pay any tax or National Insurance on this amount which will achieve a saving of up to £99 per month on your childcare costs - that's £1195 per year!

Cycle to work scheme

Once each year, employees have the opportunity to join the Cycle to Work scheme. This enables them to achieve savings on the cost of hiring a bicycle and accessories to use for cycling to work and leisure activities.