NJIC Agreement for Senior Staff: What You Need to Know

If you work in the public sector in the UK, you`ve probably heard of the NJIC (National Joint Council for Local Government Services). This is the body responsible for negotiating pay and conditions for local government employees. Among the different NJIC agreements, one that concerns senior staff is the NJC for Chief Officers. In this article, we`ll explore what this agreement entails and how it affects senior staff in the local government.

What is the NJC for Chief Officers?

The NJC for Chief Officers is a set of national conditions of service for senior employees in local authorities. These conditions apply to chief executives, directors, assistant directors, and other senior managers. The agreement covers areas such as pay scales, annual leave entitlements, sick pay, pension arrangements, and notice periods.

The NJC for Chief Officers is negotiated between the Local Government Association (LGA) and the relevant trade unions. The agreement is then incorporated into individual employment contracts for senior staff. This means that the conditions of the NJC are legally binding for both employers and employees.

What are the key features of the NJC for Chief Officers?

Pay scales: The NJC for Chief Officers sets out a range of pay scales for different grades of senior staff. The scales are reviewed annually, and may be adjusted to take into account inflation and other factors. The current pay scales range from £65,000 to £205,000 per annum.

Annual leave: Senior staff are entitled to 30 days` annual leave, plus bank holidays. This entitlement may be increased for long service.

Sick pay: Senior staff are entitled to full pay for up to 26 weeks` sick leave, followed by half pay for a further 26 weeks.

Pensions: The NJC for Chief Officers provides for participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The scheme provides a defined benefit pension, and employees contribute a percentage of their salary towards it.

Notice periods: Senior staff are required to give three months` notice of resignation. The employer may also give three months` notice of termination of employment.

What are the benefits of the NJC for Chief Officers?

The NJC for Chief Officers provides a nationally agreed set of conditions of service for senior staff. This means that there is a level playing field across different local authorities, and senior staff can move between councils without having to negotiate their own employment terms.

The NJC also provides some level of job security for senior staff, as employers are required to follow the agreed procedures for termination of employment. This can offer some protection against arbitrary dismissal or redundancy.

Finally, the NJC for Chief Officers provides a framework for negotiation between employers and employees. The trade unions representing senior staff can use the NJC as a basis for bargaining for better pay and conditions.

Conclusion

The NJC for Chief Officers is an important agreement for senior staff in local government. It sets out a range of conditions of service that are nationally agreed and legally binding. The agreement provides some level of job security and offers a framework for negotiation between employers and employees. If you are a senior employee in local government, it`s important to understand your rights and obligations under the NJC for Chief Officers.