Pensions benefits

As an employee of Lewisham Council you can jointhe Local Government Pension Scheme which is run by us on behalf of our employees. The Local Government Pension Scheme is for all employees except teachers and lecturers who can to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Information about the Teachers’ Pension Scheme is available from the Teachers’ Pension website,

The Local Government Pension Scheme is an excellent one. It is a ‘career average' scheme which means that pension benefits are guaranteed – they do not depend on how investments perform. We pay into the fund on your behalfand if you join you will be covered for a range of benefits which include:

  • an index-linked pension
  • the option to exchange part of your pension for atax free lump sum
  • ill-health benefits
  • immediate death cover
  • widow's/widower's/registered civil partner's pensions
  • nominated cohabiting partner's pensions (subject to certain qualifying conditions)
  • children's pension.

If you would like more information please visit to talk about the opportunities that being a member of the pension scheme gives you please contact: Pensions Team, 5thfloor, Laurence House, Catford, London SE6 4RU or call 020 8314 7277.

Annual leave entitlement

We have a generous annual leave allowance in addition to public holidays:

Basic entitlement: 26 days

After five years’ continuous service: 31 days

After 10 years’ continuous service: 34 days

Leave for part-time workers and job-share workers is calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Flexible working

We have a flexible working policy which means you can apply for a variety of flexible working options including flexible hours. This is subject to the needs to the service.

Getting paid

Staff are paid on the 18th of each month.Where the 18th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday you will be paid on the Friday before. Salaries are paid in arrears and in advance for a month,so for example, salary paid on 18 January is to pay you for work done from 1 January to 31 January.

Your salary will be paid directly into your bank account.You can arrange for council tax or council rent to be deducted from your salary.Similar arrangements can be made for employee loans and trade union subscriptions.

Health and safety

We aim to protect the health and safety of all our employees and those who may be affected by our activities.When you start work your manager will carry out a detailed health and safety assessment of your work area.

Occupational Health Service

We have an occupational health service which provides services including smoking cessation advisory sessions and online access to information. If you are a regular VDU user, you may also qualify for help towards eye tests and glasses.

Staff forums andsupport groups

We want to create a supportive working environment and staff can get support from a number of groups including:

  • Young Employee Network
  • Black and Multicultural Forum
  • Disabled Staff Forum
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Employee Forum.

There are also many social activity clubs to join.

Training and development opportunities

We are dedicated to continuous improvement, including the development of employees. We are a council that values people who are adaptable, innovative and seek to make a positive change.As well as delivering face-to-face training, in partnership with an established training company, we also have an e-Learning zonewhich delivers training courses digitally..The courses, noticeboards, discussion boards, forums and chatrooms can be accessed either at work or at home.

Childcare vouchers

Employees can join a childcare voucher scheme, which enables them to exchange up to £243 of their monthly salary in return for tax and NI free childcare vouchers which could save employees up to £1,173 per year in Tax and National Insurance deductions (subject to individual circumstances), or £2,346 for a couple.

Probationary period

We have a probationary procedure that applies to all new starters during their first six months of employment, except for newly qualified social workers who undertake a 12-month probationary period. The six-month probationary period also applies to all temporary staff whose contract is for three months or longer.During your probationary period, you are responsible for demonstrating your suitability for the post. Your manager is responsible for providing you with guidance and training. The extent of the guidance usually decreases with the increasing seniority of post.By the end of the probationary period, you must demonstrate your capability to work to acceptable standards without requiring an undue level of supervision.

Managing performance

Ourperformance evaluation system (PES) provides a formal framework for managing the performance of all our staff.It offers a valuable opportunity for you and your manager to focus on your work activities and identify any development needs.PES is an opportunity for you and your manager to prioritise your work activities, understandhow you are performing against targets and identify any development needs you have and how to meet them. The PES annual cycle usually involves three meetings with your line manager with the initial meeting taking place between April andMayeach year.

Joining a trade union

We recognise the following trade unions which you can chose to join:

  • (non-teaching) – Unison, Unite and GMB
  • (teaching) – NATFHE,NUT, NASUWT, ATL, SHA and NAHT.

Discounts at local shops

We have negotiated an impressive range of savings at local restaurants, cafes, DIY stores, hairdressers, dry cleaners, cycle shops and many more places in Catford and Lewisham.

In addition, we offer interest-free loans for travel and bicycles.

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