Terms and conditions

Appointments are subject to the terms and conditions of employment which are in accordance with the terms laid down in The National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services National Agreement on pay and conditions of service and by the Greater London Provincial Council, as adopted by the council and as amended or supplemented by local agreements.

Salary arrangements

Salaries are paid monthly in arrears by bank transfer on or around the last day of the month. Where the last day of the month falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will normally be made on the last working day immediately before the weekend or public holiday.

Any increases in your annual salary are negotiated by the NJC for Local Government Services and you will be notified in writing of any changes.

Hours of work

For the majority of staff the normal working week is one of 35 hours, arranged according to the need of the service. However, if you are appointed to a senior role in the council, no hours of work will be specified as you will be required to attend evening meetings and to work any additional hours in excess of normal working hours to facilitate the proper execution of the duties of your post, for which overtime payments and time off in lieu will not be granted. If you are appointed to a post, your contract of employment will state what applies to you.

Probation

Your employment is subject to a probation period of six months which may be extended by up to 10 weeks. During the probation period you will be expected to demonstrate your suitability for the job.

Personal conduct

We are proud of our borough and expect everyone who works for the council to be dedicated to improving performance and therefore improving the services that the council provides to the public.

We expect full commitment from all staff as we believe that the public are entitled to expect the highest levels of conduct from local government employees and public confidence in their integrity.

In particular, during your employment with the council you will devote the whole of your working time to carrying out your duties. You must also ensure that you do not subordinate your duty to your private interests or put yourself in a position where your duties and your private interests conflict. Furthermore, officers who are at grade scale six and above shall not engage in any other business or take up other additional appointments without the express consent of the council. Consent should be sought in writing from the Chief Officer.

Politically restricted posts

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 sets out the political restrictions applying to employment in local government. A post is politically restricted because it falls into one of the following categories:

1. It is a specified for example Chief Executive or a Chief Officer
2. It is a post which carries a salary initially or potentially on spine point 44 or equivalent, which is currently £39,030 per annum or more (pro-rata for part-time posts)
3. It has been designated politically sensitive by the authority by reason of its duties

Holders of these posts are prohibited from becoming a Member of Parliament, a Councillor or a Member of the European parliament. Certain other political activities are also precluded as detailed in the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.

There are laid down procedures detailing how an employee appointed to a post in categories 2 and 3 above may apply for an exemption.

No smoking policy

The council has a policy on no smoking at work which applies to all its establishments. Support can be given for those wishing to stop smoking.