f. Pay, contracts and pensions

Under s.112 of the Local Government 1972 a council can set salaries at whatever reasonable level they see fit.  Councils should note that there is a national agreement based on the characteristics of a local council designed to assist them to evaluate the role.   Councils should also note that from April 2020 holiday pay for employees working irregular hours must be calculated using a 52 week reference period.

The Pension Act 2008 requires every employer in the UK to put certain staff into a workplace pension scheme and contribute towards it.  If you employ at least one person you are an employer and you have certain legal duties in relation to pensions.

NALC have issued an advice note on their website - Staff pensions.  [To access the NALC website you will need to set up an individual account (SALC members only). Video guidance on how to do this is available here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zapNDmP8jjY]

We also recommend councils check the Pension Regulator website for further information.  Use this link to access.

SALC has a comprehensive information page covering payroll as well as a payroll service councils can opt into using for an additional charge - guidance on payroll | SALC Website