Employee benefits
We offer a workplace where you can really make a difference in helping to provide a wide variety of services to around 138,000 people in North Ayrshire. We’ve put together a set of benefits and rewards to help you make the most of your time with us.
Looking after your finances
Competitive salary
We offer competitive salaries with annual progression, increasing until the top guaranteed point. We strive to reduce inequality and poverty across North Ayrshire. Since 2021 we have paid the Living Wage.
Pension
We are part of the Local Government (LGPS) and Scottish Teachers (STPS) pension schemes. Membership of these schemes gives you:
- a secure pension
- peace of mind for your family
- the opportunity to retire early or flexibly.
You can also choose to pay extra to your pension pot. You benefit from a reduction in the tax and national insurance you pay through AVC Wise.
Shopping Vouchers
Our Employee Perks at Work scheme offers exclusive retail discounts. So, whether it is:
- your weekly shop
- a visit to the cinema
- updating your wardrobe
- buying the latest gadget, or
- picking up some home or garden ware
you can save money with every purchase.
Credit Unions
As you will be working in North Ayrshire you can join one of our partner Credit Unions, Scotwest or 1st Alliance Credit Union. They bring our local community together to save and borrow at more favourable rates.
Looking after your health and wellbeing
Holiday Allowance
We all need a holiday sometimes. You'll start with 33 days paid leave which will increase with service, up to 41 days (pro rata for part time employees). Your leave is inclusive of 12 public holidays, so you'll have plenty of time to recharge your batteries.
Workstyles
Work life balance is important. We believe that we can offer an enhanced service by allowing our employees to work in different ways. Our role-allocated workstyles offer flexibility around how and where employees work. This means that you can balance your home and work life right from the start.
Sick Pay
There's nothing more important than your health. If you need to take some time off sick, we have an occupational sick pay scheme. Support is given by your line manager and our great Occupational Health service. Both working together to provide the right care so you can focus on getting better.
Occupational Health Scheme
Our Occupational Health Provider works with employees and the council. They address medical needs and occupational health issues whilst at work. If you do have to take time off, they will support your return to work. They can offer physiotherapy or counselling for conditions, where appropriate. This is to help when it impacts your normal working activities.
Wellbeing schemes
It's important to us that we support you inside and outside of work. That's why we offer a range of activities to support wellbeing. From our Work Life Balance scheme to Mindfulness sessions. We've also got mental health first aid trained 'Wellbeing Warriors' who can listen and signpost to support.
Cycle to Work Scheme
There's lots of reasons you might want to cycle to work. Whether it be to exercise, to save money, or to cut down on your carbon footprint. Whatever your reason, our scheme gives you tax savings when buying a bike and accessories.
Healthcare Cash Plans
Our employees can take out a Health Plan with Health Shield. This plans gives money back for everyday healthcare costs such as visits:
- to dentists
- to opticians
- to physiotherapists
- and even health checks
Discounted Gym Memberships
It's much easier to hit the gym often when it's on your doorstep. Our employees can take advantage of discounted membership with our partner KA Leisure. So, whether it is the gym, fitness classes, a swim or a round of golf, there's something to suit everyone.
Looking after your career
Learning and Development
At North Ayrshire Council, a job isn't only a job - it's also an opportunity to develop your career. We'll give all employees access to some great learning tools. For our managers we provide structured and progressive development within our Leadership Academy.
Top Class Training
We’re dedicated to making sure everyone working for us has the chance to be the best they can be. With a range of delivery methods and virtual training offerings for our employees to access. This is regardless of their location to give them the best training possible.
Looking after your loved ones
Maternity, Paternity & Parental Leave
We offer new parents one week of Maternity/Adoption Support leave on full pay. This is on top of the statutory entitlements. We also offer an Occupational Maternity/Adoption Pay scheme. Our Work Life Balance scheme, Special Leave scheme and Workstyles are also designed to support our employees return to work.
Life Assurance
If you sign up to our workplace pension, you'll get life assurance cover of up to three times your pensionable pay. Even if you do not opt into the pension fund, your family will still get £5,000 if you die in service from our Group Life Scheme.
Carer Positive
We are committed to embedding a positive culture of support for carers. We recognise the demands of balancing work and caring responsibilities.
Looking after each other
Volunteering Days
As a council we’re committed to giving back. We also recognise that being able to offer your time and talents to a cause that you’re passionate about is good for the soul. We offer up to 14 hours of paid leave, so you can volunteer for a charity or cause that’s close to your heart.
Give as You Earn
How, and what, someone gives to charity is a personal decision. But, if you’d like to make a regular commitment to a cause you care about, we’ll make it easier for you. Our Give as You Earn scheme means you can donate a part of your pay tax free directly to a charity of your choice.
Our Time to Talk
It feels good to make a valuable contribution and feel appreciated for it. The ‘Our Time to Talk’ process is an opportunity for managers and employees to do just that. This is dedicated time to check in, reflect on the previous 12 months, and look towards the next year ahead.
Workforce Representation
North Ayrshire Council is committed to enabling its employees to take part in Trade Union activities. We recognise that an effective communication process takes place in consultation with the recognised Trade Unions and the process of collective bargaining.