Benefits
'Together, we will make Lewisham the best place in London to live, work and learn.'
Why work for us?
If you want to affect real change and help build something truly special then Lewisham is the place to be. We are a Council that values people who are adaptable, innovative and seek to make a positive change. We positively encourage continuous learning and development, and you will have the opportunity to do this both in your role and through a range of development opportunities and programmes. We are proud to be accredited with the following organisations:
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• Disability Confident
• Timewise
• Living Wage Foundation
• Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver
• London Mayor’s Good Work Standard
• White Ribbon UK
• Council of Sanctuary – first council in the UK to be recognised
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Work-life balance
We believe that time away from work is just as important as the hours you spend serving the community, this is why we try to be as flexible as possible in giving you the work-life balance you need to enjoy your time in the borough. Employees enjoy a range of excellent benefits.
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Financial benefits
Pension - a career average pension scheme where we pay into the fund on your behalf and where you are covered for a range of benefits which include:
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a career average pension
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ill-health benefits
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immediate death cover
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widow's/widower's/registered civil partner's pensions
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children's pension
Teachers and Lecturers are eligible to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
Interest free employee loans – you can take advantage of interest free season ticket and bicycle loans.
Tax-free childcare scheme - where both parents are working, or are single parents, they can claim up to £2,000 per child towards the cost of childcare per year.
Employee credit union – ‘Crownsavers’ is a credit union which offers easy ways to save via payroll deduction and borrowing facilities at interest rates below those of commercial banks.
Discounts with local stores – we have negotiated an impressive range of savings with local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, DIY stores, hairdressers, dry cleaners, cycle shops and many more places.
Eye tests – financial help towards the cost of eye tests and glasses if your job focuses on computer work
Give as you Earn Scheme – we participate in a payroll-giving scheme, where you can make tax-free donations to registered charities.
Staff parking voucher – access to buy daily parking vouchers to park in one of the Council’s car parks.
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Wellbeing
Annual leave - Generous annual leave from 26 days to 34 days depending on length of service, plus bank holiday days, on a pro-rata basis if you work part time
Flexible working – we positively encourage flexible working and work life balance. Our investment in up to date IT equipment enables working flexibly from home or the workplace. A range of flexible working schemes are in place including flexitime, part time work, term-time work, homeworking and job sharing within the context of meeting service delivery needs.
Staff Support Hub – information and resources to help you look after your physical and mental wellbeing at work directing you to help and resources available
Family friendly policies - we offer excellent maternity benefits including maternity leave, paternity leave and adoption leave. Special leave is also available to deal with family emergencies.
Health - access to a free 12-week programme with both Slimming World and WW, subject to qualifying conditions.
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Benenden Healthcare – access to affordable membership to private health care which covers a range of discretionary healthcare and well-being services.
CSSC membership – you can join CSSC Sports and Leisure where membership gives you access to a wide range of sporting events, leisure activities, discounted cinema and theatre tickets and much more for a small monthly premium. https://www.cssc.co.uk/
Entertainment - You can also access entertainment, activity, days out, eating out, and theme park benefits via KAARP Benefits
Learning and development - we believe in “lifelong learning” and are committed to develop the potential of all our employees, not only in their current jobs, but also their future employability.
Membership of a trade union - we support the system of collective bargaining and believe in the principle of solving employee relations issues by discussion and consultation. All employees have the right to join a Trade Union and take part in its activities.
Employee Groups - you can also join employee groups such as Lewisham BAME and Professional Network, the Disabled Staff Forum, the LGBTQ+ Forum, the Environment champion network and the Change Network; a staff led improvement programme that cuts across the five themes of: our people; leadership; inclusive workplace; communication and IT.
Personal help – Access to a free confidential helpline 24/7 to discuss concerns and issues with money, personal issues, family, health, work life, moving house or retirement.
Reflection room – access to a reflection room
Long service awards – after 25 years’ service with the Council
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