What is the difference between working for the civil service

[geek84]

Hi folks

Can someone kindly tell me the difference between working for your local council and civil service?

Thanks

[oldbanger]

Civil service is vastly different - national government, far more formal role and pay structures, better perks (they even have their own car club), more training and generally higher pay

Local govt is your local council. Role structures are more fluid, few perks and lower pay bandings

[geek84]

Thanks oldbanger

[xx99xx]

Not necessarily lower pay though in all cases. Depends on supply/demand of the skill required. Local authorities have more flexibility to offer more and negotiate on salary.

Usually with CS jobs, you can have lots of people based anywhere in the UK doing the same job and on a similar salary (equal value), with the exception of London. However you'll find greater variation if you compare similar roles at different local authorities as they more accurately reflect local economic conditions, cost of living etc

[geek84]

Thanks xx99xx

[ncjones]

Main difference is pension. Local government scheme vs civil service scheme, pros and cons between the two. Otherwise just compare offer, t&cs etc.

Don’t be fooled into thinking single civil service with set salary bands etc, they vary quite considerably between departments. Some have London weighting others don’t.

Same as local government isn’t just councils....varies from councils, schools, various arms length government bodies etc

Stereotyping civil service can be a little, minister says jump......

I’ve heard people describe it as Local Govenrment, public servants, work for the public.....civil service, work for ministers.....culturally speaking this isn’t too wide of the mark.

[geek84]

Thanks ncjones