Summary of employment benefits for lay staff based at Church House

Summary of Employment Benefits Applicable to Lay Staff based at Church House (86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT)

These are the main terms and conditions that apply, correct as at February 2024. For the avoidance of doubt, they do not apply to individuals who occupy roles as stipendiary Ministers of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Workers.

Any changes will be subject to consultation with staff.

Holidays

Full time staff are entitled to 39 days holiday in each full holiday year (this includes 8 bank and public holidays) which runs from 1 April to 31 March and is pro rata for part time staff. 3 days must be reserved for the period between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed.

Long service holiday

The Church recognises continuous long service with 2 days additional holiday after 7 years,1 day additional holiday after 14 years, 1 day additional holiday after 21 years and 1 days additional holiday after 28 years (making 5 in total).

Long Service Award Pay (non-contractual)

The Church recognises continuous long service with £500 (or pro rata) after each milestone.

Pension

From 1 March 2023 the qualifying pension scheme for auto enrolment is The United Reformed Church Defined Contribution Scheme (the Scheme), part of an Aon Master Trust. Staff contributions are 7.5% and Employer contributions are 16% of basic salary. The pension scheme operates ‘salary sacrifice’ whereby staff sacrifice 7.5% of their salary for increased employer contributions. Members are able to pay a higher rate of personal contribution if they wish to. Staff can ‘opt out’ of the salary sacrifice arrangement. The scheme is subject to its rules as may be amended from time to time, and the Church may replace the scheme with another pension scheme at any time.

Members of the Scheme also benefit from an insured Death in Service benefit which, subject to the rules of the scheme, in the event of the employee’s death while employed by the United Reformed Church will pay a benefit of 5 times basic salary to the dependent(s) of the member.

Season Ticket Loan (non-contractual)

An interest free season ticket or bike loan is available.

Churches Mutual Credit Union (non-contractual)

All staff are eligible to participate in the Churches Mutual Credit Union.

Probation

The probationary period is usually the first six months of employment, which may be extended.

Sick Pay

After six months employment, for absences through sickness or incapacity, Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) is paid for up to a maximum of 13 weeks in a rolling 12 month period. OSP is equal to normal basic salary and includes SSP.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) (non-contractual)

All employees have access to 24/7 advice and support through our EAP provider ‘Health Assured’ . The Church may replace the scheme with another EAP provider at any time.