The annual leave year commences on 1st April and ends on 31st March the following year. At Lancaster City Council the basic entitlement is 26 days, which is inclusive of two national extra statutory days and one extra local days' holiday. The basic entitlement of 26 days per year increases to 31 days on completion of five years’ service.
As well as annual leave, the Council offers employees in eligible posts flexitime leave. This allows employees to take a maximum of 2 days accrued flexi time leave every four week period. This means that employees could have the possibility of 24 extra days off per year. The accrual and use of Flexitime Leave, is based on the service’s needs and the authorisation of line managers. Our flexi bandwidths run between 7.30am and 7.30pm which makes it possible to start work early or leave early if appropriate to attend personal appointments or attend school meetings etc. without having to take a days’ leave.
Local Government Pension Scheme
All Lancaster City Council employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. This gives you a pension linked to your career average earnings. The amount you contribute depends on your salary however; the council also makes a significant contribution. The Local Government Pension Scheme is highly regarded as an excellent scheme and is a great benefit for employees who choose to work within local government for their career. For further details of the scheme, visit www.yourpensionservice.org.uk
Cycle to Work Scheme
Lancaster City Council is proud of its Cycling Town status and is working hard to encourage its own staff to swap four wheels for two. As part of our drive to get more people on cycles we are now able to offer staff the opportunity of obtaining a new bike at considerable savings of between 30% and 50% off the retail price.
Child Care Vouchers
At Lancaster City Council we use Fideliti Childcare Vouchers. The childcare vouchers are implemented by way of a salary sacrifice scheme. This means that employees' achieve a financial saving because the amount of salary exchanged for vouchers is exempt from tax and NI. The vouchers are paid for out of employees' gross salary meaning that NI contributions and Tax are worked out after the vouchers have been deducted an employee will see a saving straight away.
Gym Membership - Salt Ayre Sports Centre
Lancaster City Council employees who are keen to stay fit and active are eligible for Corporate Membership at Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
Full gym membership costs £35 per month but the corporate membership is only £30 per month. This is a saving of £60 over a year - fantastic value!
The corporate membership entitles you to use the swimming pool, saunas, attendance at fitness classes and use of the athletic track.
Work life balance
Lancaster City Council has a range of policies in place to support employees’ work-life balance. These include the adoption leave scheme; maternity leave and pay scheme; paternity leave; parental leave and family support leave and bereavement leave. We are committed to becoming an “employer of choice” and as such we continue to work with our workforce to identify how we can further enhance employees’ work-life balance.
Microsoft Office 2013 for home use
As part of Lancaster City Council's licensing agreement with Microsoft, reduced rate copies of Microsoft Office 2013 are available to employees for home use. Copies of Microsoft Office 2013 Professional Plus are available for £8.95. For further details please contact the ICT Service Desk on ict@lancaster.gov.uk or 01524 582103.
