‘Five Council’ Proposal Public Consultation

‘Five Council’ Proposal Public Consultation

Have your say on the future of councils in Essex.  Councils across Greater Essex are seeking public input on plans to replace the current Local Authority structure with fewer, larger unitary councils. 

Have your say in the consultation here

Employee Benefits

Flexible working  

For eligible employees, the Flexi-time scheme promotes work-life balance. The Flexitime Scheme is a benefit, and the general pattern of working does not form part of the contract of employment.    

The scheme is to allow flexibility in starting and finishing times, in taking shorter or longer lunch breaks and to allow controlled credits and debits. It enables employees to work and meet private commitments, benefiting the Council and the employee.  For permanent changes of working pattern, employees should refer to the Flexible Working Guide. For more details on this scheme please see section 32 of the employee staff book.   

Leisure Facilities  

The Council provides free staff membership (CP employees only) at Waterside Leisure Centre for use of the swimming pool and fitness suite (classes not included) to improve the health and wellbeing of staff working a minimum of 15 hours per week. Use of the swimming pool and fitness suite are also free at the Runnymede Leisure Centre with restricted times, please contact leisure for more information.   

To Sign up you will need to visit the centre with your Castle Point ID card and complete the require forms.    

Car parking    

Free on-site car parking is currently available for employees at all the Council’s places of work. Please note that these car parks may also be used by customers, partners and the public therefore a space cannot be guaranteed.   

Membership of the local government pension scheme    

The position offers membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. You will automatically become a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme upon taking up your appointment unless you choose to opt out. Employees wishing to opt out must contact Essex Council County Pension Service for an opt out form. Your contribution towards the scheme will be in accordance with the following table:    

Please note that the following pay ranges will apply to contribution rates with effect from 1st April 2023. 

 

Actual Pensionable Pay  

Employee contribution rate  

£0 to £16,500  

5.5%  

£16,501 to £25,900  

5.8%  

£25,901 to £42,100  

6.5%  

£42,101 to £53,300  

6.8%  

£53,301 to £74,700  

8.5%  

£74,701 to £105,900   

9.9%  

£105,901 to £124,800  

10.5%  

£124,801 to £187,200  

11.4%  

£187,201 or more  

12.5%  

You can choose to opt into the 50/50 option in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) which allows members to pay half their normal contribution rate and build up half their normal pension benefits. Further details on the Pension scheme are available from the following website:  www.essexpensionfund.co.uk     

Eye tests    

Funded eyecare voucher with Specsavers can be requested to support your eye health. This initiative is designed to help you maintain good eye health, especially for those working with screens or requiring glasses for work purposes.   

This voucher includes a free eye test at any Specsavers store, a £50 pair of glasses or a £50 contribution towards a higher-priced range and for specialist Needs, the vouchers can also be used for glazing breathing apparatus inserts, if applicable.   

Annual leave    

From April 2025 a minimum 27 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years of local government service. Your Annual leave is managed via Itrent .     

Volunteering days    

All permanent and fixed term employees are entitled to the equivalent of 14.8 hours (2 days) volunteering leave in each leave year (April-March), pro-rata for part time staff. Volunteering hours must be used in the leave year and cannot be carried forward into a future leave year.       

Further detail on the how these hours can be used can be found in the Council’s Volunteering Policy.  

Professional learning development opportunities    

At Castle Point Borough Council we are passionate when it comes to developing our people both personally and professionally. We have a vast suite of learning modules on our Learning Management System  Shine,  and we are always looking at ways to support colleagues with their development in their role.  

Professional subscription    

The Council may be able to fund one annual subscription to an appropriate professional body of the job role requires it. This will be subject to criteria met and funding availability.      

For further queries please contact HR.   

Staff Discounts     

Vine Extras is an employee benefits program that offers a variety of discounts and special offers at numerous retailers, including supermarkets, high street stores, travel, dining and entertainment are available to staff via an online portal.  

Additional discounts are available from   www.kaarp.co.uk    

Employee Assistance Programme    

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program designed to support employees in managing personal and work-related issues. EAPs offer a range of confidential services to help with a variety of concerns such as metal health, substance abuse, family problems, financial stress and legal issued.    

This programme aims to improve employee well-being, which in turn can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism and foster a healthy work environment.