Salaries and benefits (general information)
The council offers a competitive salaries and benefits package which is regularly reviewed.
- Salaries
- Working hours
- Holiday
- Local government pension
- Child care
- Sick pay
- Car allowances/Car loans
- Car parking
- Relocation
- Fitness
- Travel season discounts and cycle loans
- Vivup Employee Benefits
Salaries
Our salaries are based on a local grading structure and the salary scales are linked below. We pay our employees monthly, on the last working day of the month direct into employees' bank/building society accounts. Subject to satisfactory performance, employees receive an incremental rise on 1 April each year until they reach the maximum for their grade. Annual cost of living pay rises are negotiated and agreed nationally. They are usually effective from 1 April and are subject to consultation with the Trades Unions.
- Local salary grades
(91 KB) - Heads of Service Grades (172 KB)
- Chief Executive and Director Grades (177 KB)
For the year commencing 1st April 2024, the Chief Executive Officer salary is £143,832
Working hours
Standard working hours are 37 per week but part time posts are available and posts can be considered for job sharing unless stated. Starting and finishing times vary according to the nature of the work but our office opening hours are 8.45am until 5.15pm every day.
We recognise that Work/Life Balance is important to everyone and greater flexibility in working arrangements can help our employees balance home and work more effectively. It can also help us to provide more effective and efficient services.
Holiday
Leave entitlement is based on grade and continuous local government service. The entitlement below is effective from 1st April 2023:
| Grade | 0 - 4 years | 5 years service |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Paid Employees | 23 days | 26 days |
| LG01 - LG04 | 23 days | 26 days |
| LG05 - LG06 | 23 days | 27 days |
| LG07 - LG11 | 23 days | 28 days |
| Senior Managers | 26 days | 31 days |
| Directors & Chief Executive Officer | 31 days | 36 days |
Most of our employees are entitled to normal Bank and Public Holidays although in some sections there are special arrangements so that we can maintain services. In addition, two extra statutory days and one discretionary day are granted while we close the Civic Offices over the Christmas and New Year period.
Local government pension
It is never too early to start a pension. As a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), you will belong to a scheme providing access to high-quality career averaged pension.
The LGPS is a contributory scheme where employees currently pay between 5.5% and 12.5% of their earnings (determined by the actual pensionable pay which includes salary, overtime etc) towards their pension and we pay a further sum, currently around 18%. If you pay into a company, occupational or personal pension scheme you can ask for the benefits you have built up to be transferred into the LGPS.
For further information you can go to the Hampshire County Council LGPS website 
.
Sick pay
We take our responsibilities to manage sickness absence seriously. If you are ill and unable to work you will generally be entitled to occupational sick pay depending on the circumstances. Your exact entitlement will vary according to the length of your service.
Car allowances/car loans
Some of our roles are classed as 'essential users' and post holders will receive a car allowance. If the role you are applying for is an essential user, it will be stated in the job advert and you will be required to provide a suitable vehicle, insured for business use. If you do not own a vehicle and need one for your role, we offer loans at preferential rates to help with buying a car and salary sacrifice car schemes. Employees who occasionally use their vehicle on Council business are "casual users" and receive a mileage rate based on HMRC guidelines. If you have a disability and do not have a driving licence or access to an appropriate vehicle, please don't be deterred from applying for a post that requires travel in the Borough if you can demonstrate that you can meet this in other ways, such as by using public transport.
Car parking
Authorised car parking is available for employees.
Parking facilities are also available for blue badge holders.
Relocation
We operate a removal & relocation (76 KB) scheme to help newly appointed employees to meet the cost of relocation, removal and other related expenses.
Get fit/keep fit!
Everyone Active in Fareham and Holly Hill offer our employees the opportunity to become a member for just £28.99 per month, plus a £10 joining fee.
Why not have a look at www.everyoneactive.com to find out what they can offer you or contact a membership advisor at Fareham Leisure Centre on 01329 233652.
Please note that Fareham Borough Council is unable to recommend Everyone Active as a preferred provider.
Travel Season discounts and cycle loans
If travelling to work by public transport, an interest free season ticket loan is available repayable by monthly deductions from your salary.
First Bus – Commuter Travel Club Discounts
Enjoy exclusive discounted travel with First Bus through the Commuter Travel Club, available for routes in Fareham and Portsmouth.
Visit Commuter Travel Club for more information.
Cycle Loan Scheme
An interest-free loan up to the value of £500 is available to purchase a bicycle and essential safety equipment like helmets and lights. This is repaid in 12 monthly instalments via salary deductions.
Cyclescheme
Save 25%–39% on a new bike and safety gear with a salary sacrifice scheme (up to £1,000). Payments are taken from your salary before tax and NI. Available to permanent employees through participating retailers. After 12 months, you can purchase the bike at a fair market value.
Vivup Employee Benefits
We've partnered with Vivup to launch a brand new employee benefits platform to offer our staff discounts on a range of high street stores and the ability to spread the cost of items through our salary sacrifice schemes.