Benefits of working for South Tyneside Council

Employee terms, conditions, and benefits

South Tyneside Council is the largest employer in the Borough.

As an employer of choice, we make sure that our employment policies and practices are always up-to date. Below you can find a list of benefits of working for us.

For full details on employee benefits and rewards, see employee benefits and rewards.

Annual leave and other types of leave

Entitlement to annual leave is dependent upon your job grade, length of service and hours worked.

The annual leave year starts from the 1st of the month in which you were born and entitlement ranges from 26 to 31 days (after 5 years service) and can range up to 32 days per year for senior posts.

As well as maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave, you have access to a range of additional leave benefits including maternity support leave, special leave, compassionate leave and stuck not sick days.

Work life balance

The Council is committed to promoting work life balance and has many schemes that employees can make use of. These include flexi time, flexible working, job sharing and emergency time off work.

An employee wellbeing survey undertaken in 2021 highlighted that flexible working is important to our employees. If your post is deemed suitable for flexi time, you could work between 6am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, subject to agreement with your line manager.

There is no expectation to work longer or later hours, this is about making work, work for you and to support caring responsibilities, decrease commuting pressures and support a better work life balance.

Hybrid working

Subject to your role being suitable, we support hybrid working from home as well as working in other locations in the borough to meet your needs and the Councils.

Pension scheme

Unless you are employed on a contract of three months or less, you will automatically join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) depending on your role.

Your contribution rate depends on how much you are paid, but it will be between 5.5 and 12.5% (LGPS) and 7.4% and 11.7% (TPS) of your salary. When you retire your benefits can include an index linked retirement pension and a tax free lump sum. The scheme also provides for ill health and death benefits.

Visit Teachers' Pensions and the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund.

Reserve Forces Policy

South Tyneside Council recognises the valuable contribution that members of the Reserve Forces (Reservists) can make to the UK Armed Forces, their communities and the civilian workplace.

The Council operates a Reserve Forces Policy to support both employees who are Reservists and their managers and sets out how the council will support them whilst employed by the Council. We will make sure that employees who are Reservists do not suffer any detriment during employment. The policy also outlines the commitment and procedures for staff who are mobilised and then return to work.

Disclosure and Barring Service

South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If the post for which you are applying will have responsibilities for children or vulnerable groups, you will be required to apply for a standard or enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Training

South Tyneside Council has a positive policy towards identifying and meeting the training needs of all its employees.

It is a condition of employment that employees are prepared to participate in any training courses which are felt to be appropriate to their needs. Most training needs will be met within the organisation however you may be required to attend job related short courses.

Health and wellbeing

The Occupational Health Service within the Council is delivered by a team of professionals who carry out a wide range of employee services including clinical assessments, medicals and health surveillance.

The occupational health team also provide regular on site clinics to provide advice on smoking cessation, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise and carry out blood pressure checks. Advice can also be given on travel health, stress management and a range of other topics.

We are committed to providing a range of support and opportunities to maintain employee health, wellbeing and safety whilst at work.

Counselling

The Council operates a confidential counselling service, where employees can self refer and be supported through personal or work related issues affecting their mental health.

Physiotherapy

As an additional wellbeing provision a physiotherapy service is available for all employees.

Employee wellbeing group

Our employee wellbeing group drives forward the Employee Wellbeing Strategy and helps develop other initiatives that will help to enhance the health and wellbeing of our employees.

Equality Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are passionate about equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) and want to provide a safe working environment where everyone feels they can bring their authentic self to work.

That's why we have a number of EDIB Networks set up across the Council to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

Childcare Benefits Scheme

The Childcare Benefits Scheme allows employees who are legally responsible for caring for a child up to the age of 15 (16 if your child has a disability) to save money on their registered childcare.

The scheme operates through a salary sacrifice agreement where up to £55 a week can be sacrificed directly from salary to the childcare provider and employees don't pay tax or National Insurance Contributions on the amount sacrificed.

Smarter travel to and from work

There are lots of ways we are helping you to make an informed and smarter choice about the way you travel to and from work. These include:

Cycling

The Council has a range of facilities staff can use, including secure or sheltered bicycle parking facilities, lockers for personal belongings such as helmets and shower / changing facilities.

Cycle to Work Scheme

In partnership with Cyclescheme, South Tyneside Council is offering you savings on bicycle and safety equipment.

Metro Business Passes

Colleagues based at a number of Council offices can benefit from free travel on the Metro for council business.

The Metro Business Passes can be used Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 5pm while on Council business. It allows you unlimited travel across the whole Metro system, and it is also valid on the Shields Ferry and on the Sunderland to Newcastle rail line.

The Metro Business Passes are available at the Old Reception in South Shields Town Hall.

Pop Pay As You Go (PAYG)

Pop Pay As You Go (PAYG) is the smart way to pay for public transport in North East England. Simply top up your Pop PAYG card and use it to pay for your journeys as you make them. There are lots of PAYG cards available in reception.

More information about PAYG cards

Car Lease Scheme

Employees can benefit from the Car Lease Scheme which is available through salary sacrifice.

The Salary Sacrifice Scheme allows you to benefit from savings by giving up a portion of your salary in exchange for a brand new, fully-maintained, taxed and insured car for 3 years (other periods can be arranged) at a fixed monthly amount. No deposit is needed.

NHS Fleet Solutions are the leading salary sacrifice provider for cars in the NHS and wider public sector. NHS Fleet Solutions are able to secure car leases at the most competitive price.

Relocation

We have a Relocation Expenses Scheme that applies to all new employees (except for school based employees) who are required to move home for their job.

This scheme must be authorised by the relevant Head of Service.

Further details can be provided by the hiring manager.

Further benefits and offers

Corporate Leisure Membership

All staff can become a corporate leisure member with access to all six of our leisure facilities:

Haven Point
Hebburn Central
Jarrow Community Pool
Jarrow Focus
Monkton Stadium
Temple Park Centre

You can choose from any three membership options:

Duo Activity
Multi Activity
Joint Membership (for 2 people in the same household)

Home Technology

The Home Electronics salary sacrifice scheme allows you to save money on home technology and spread the cost, with no deposits or hidden payments. You can have access to over 5,000 products including:

Laptops
Desktop computers
Tablets
Televisions
Smart technology
Games consoles
Domestic Appliances

Airport Parking

Council employees can receive a discounted deal on holiday parking at Newcastle Airport.

Dell Advantage

Dell Advantage for employees allows you to purchase Dell products with special discounts that are not available to the general public:

5% off Inspiron
10% off all XPS, Alienware, Inspiron Gaming, monitors and projectors
20% off all other accessories (bags, keyboard, mice etc.)

These offers can be combined with Dell's weekly deals for even greater discounts.

Hilton Honors

As a public sector employee, you're entitled to exclusive discount on the best available bed and breakfasts and Hampton by Hilton hotels.

Volunteering

The Council supports employees who want to volunteer within the Borough or for charities. You may be given up to 3 days paid leave per year or allowed to work flexible hours to do volunteer work.

Free flu vaccine

South Tyneside Council employees can benefit from a free flu vaccine.

Free will writing service

Employees can get a free basic will writing service. Their partner can also get a 50% discount. Postal charges still apply.

Bin collections