Oh Dear: Public Sector Growth Accelerating

[voron]

Hmmmm, I see your logic, and the public sector should, in theory, offer a cushy contract. My last two contracts have involved average weeks of approximately 36 hours. That said, I spent two years working 90 hour weeks, although I would say that was a freakish one off.

I think your situation is a little different, as you really have your business well positioned and you can edit your CV as required. So the permie role could, in theory, never appear on your CV. Normally I wouldn't advise anyone to take a public sector contract, as in my case and those of a few friends, it's been a trap.

You need to ask yourself a few questions:
1) Can I easily return to my normal business after this contract?
2) Am I strong enough to avoid 'going soft' during the contract?
3) Is the money worth all the frustration of dealing with idiotic civil servants? And believe me, the majority really are as stupid, gormless and lazy as they come.

If the answer is yes, then go for it. The public sector can be an interesting place to work as it involves major projects (supposedly) for the benefit of the nation. If anyone can survive the public sector, I think you can.

[Lucifer Box]

Thanks, Voron. That is a well reasoned discussion of the pros and cons. As I say, all I want is 12 months on a PAYE scheme as a higher rate tax payer as my spidey-sense is tingling as far as HMCR are concerned. The easier the work the better and I'm not overly bothered what the salary is really as long as it's above the 40% threshold. As you say, it need never appear on my CV anyway as my consultancy work will be humming along in parallel.

[voron]

Lucifer, if it's a permie role you are specifically seeking within the public sector, I would suggest you look to central gov (TfL has good links to LG). I don't know what the TfL grade and pay structure is like (Chico might be able to advise), but within the traditional civil service you should look for something around SEO/G7 level (sometimes called Range 9/10 these days). Effectively it's upper middle management. In theory quite a bit of responsibility but it's the grade that meets your PAYE requirements.
Not all government departments pay the same. The Inland Revenue and ODPM generally pay more.

You can always look at:
CPG

CapitaRAS

[Lucifer Box]

I like the look of this one... mopping up the blood after high speed motorway pileups for £16,171 plus 20% shift allowance...

It takes real teamwork to keep the open road open

Our aim is simple - to ease congestion on England’s roads. If we get it right, we can all look forward to safer roads, reliable journeys and being informed travellers. These roles are critical to easing congestion on our roads and you will be working in partnership with the Police on unpredictable events of unknown duration - you can always expect the unexpected.

Patrolling a section of the motorway, you will respond to incidents as they occur - so we need people who are exceptionally calm in a crisis and capable of providing outstanding service to the public. You will have wide-ranging powers, allowing you to stop and divert traffic, close roads and lanes, place and operate traffic signs and remove vehicles - only the most responsible and reliable need apply. Your working day could involve assisting at a road accident, clearing debris or escorting high-risk vehicles. It is therefore vital that you are resilient, customer-focused and confident in making far-reaching, rapid decisions.

http://www.centrepointgroup.co.uk/ha1237.htm

[voron]

Do you get free rubber gloves?

No, you're thinking of Customs Officers.

[Chico]

Lucifer, if it's a permie role you are specifically seeking within the public sector, I would suggest you look to central gov (TfL has good links to LG). I don't know what the TfL grade and pay structure is like (Chico might be able to advise), but within the traditional civil service you should look for something around SEO/G7 level (sometimes called Range 9/10 these days). Effectively it's upper middle management. In theory quite a bit of responsibility but it's the grade that meets your PAYE requirements.
Not all government departments pay the same. The Inland Revenue and ODPM generally pay more.

You can always look at:
CPG

CapitaRAS

Oh yes I am ashamed to say I did eat of the forbidden public sector fruit. One word springs to mind - waste. I used to turn up just after 9 log on, check email, make a quick call and was done by 9.15. Thats it. The waste was endemic across the whole Programme however I cannot comment on other depts or projects. As for the pay scale - I had little interaction with the permies so cannot help there either.

[Rebecca Loos]

lots of time to pray then
No wonder they have lots of time to think of as many offensive objects to ban as possible and little rules to implement to ensure no religion is offended by anything
Bet they even have lots of time to post on this board too...

[Chico]

Ahh you have a sense of humour I see. How was your weekend overtime?

[Lucifer Box]

Oh yes I am ashamed to say I did eat of the forbidden public sector fruit. One word springs to mind - waste. I used to turn up just after 9 log on, check email, make a quick call and was done by 9.15. Thats it. The waste was endemic across the whole Programme however I cannot comment on other depts or projects. As for the pay scale - I had little interaction with the permies so cannot help there either.

I could do that. Go on, gissa job.

Sounds like exactly what I need.

[voron]

I could do that. Go on, gissa job.

Sounds like exactly what I need.

If you are serious about a permie public sector job, make sure you do plenty of scouting. Last thing you want is to end up at a place crawling with consultants pushing up the average working hours.
Contact me on the bat phone if you want any details.