Fully in office for 4k more?

Based on the change in pension contribution alone it would be a definite 'no' for me. You would be losing a lot. You also have to consider childcare because at 10 and 12 your kids can't stay by themselves all holidays - what would you do with them and would that cost? Plus if they have a sick day and you're not working from home what would you do? At the moment I imagine if one is poorly they can stay at home on the sofa and you can work. Looking at pension loss, childcare difficulties and the fact you have to go into the office I'd say no.

In my job, no. But if it was a career change I was actively looking for, then probably yes.

It does sound like financially overall the package is smaller. And less flex although sounds like minor commute.

However you should also consider the longer term position - if you are stagnating where you are without realistic growth, would moving into HR give you longer term much better prospects and pay and job satisfaction?

If your current job is not HR based and you are only part way through qualifications then taking essentially a more junior role might be necessary to get an HR career going, if the new job is paying the market rate for your realistic entry point.

So think about it carefully in the round but don’t just think about the immediate position.

It’d be a no from me based holiday and the pension contributions

a mile is nothing and you’d be in a heated office rather than having to heat your home because your working

It would take a lot more than £4K to swap those pension and sickness benefits.

Personally I wouldnt

Would I do it for £4K more? No, absolutely not. But for the career move I wanted to make? Sure. It’s not all about salary (and that sounds clear in your post).

Yes I am not an expert and I’d seek advice but I don’t think you’d want to give up a DB pension without checking what you might lose!

See my previous post - OP isn't building up a pension 'pot' as that's not how defined benefit pensions work. Every year, she is accruing 1/49th of her annual salary as a yearly pension payment, for an arbitrary sum paid by her and her local government employer.

Based on what you've said about annual leave and pension, I personally wouldn't take the new role.

I don't know anything about local government pensions, but assume it may be similar to a civil service one? I'm a civil servant and it would take a very good package to lure me away from my job because of the pension scheme.

Having said that, I'm happy in my role and whilst I would like to progress, it's not a massive ambition of mine. I like my job, I'm good at it and it doesn't cause me any stress and I never have to think about work when I'm not there. If I was looking to retrain then I might feel differently.

@Livingforfriday1985 the pension provision now is much better. Is that a contribution they make to a movable pot rather than you losing it?

Being in the office isn’t so bad as you could walk it but £4k won’t cover the pension difference assuming the pot goes with you.

4 k a year more would definitely not be enough to shift from public sector to private
Not once you factor in leave, pension contributions, job security, sick pay etc.

I am looking at making the shift and will be asking for at least 20k a year more, and that's for a job that's hybrid still.

The awful thing is, I love working in the public sector and I know I can make a difference , but the recruitment agent I spoke to reckons I can aim for 30k a year above my current salary.

A decade of below inflation pay rises has killed my willingness to work in the public sector.

Depends on part what your current salary is but no I wouldn’t give up the work life balance for 4k

I’m in a senior HR role opposed to entry level so slightly different, but I wouldn’t move to a fully office based role again for 20k more - not on anyone’s nelly 😂

I’m home based, but (inter)national travel makes up a chunk of my working weeks but I really value the diary flexibility I get in return for that and I couldn’t be tied to an office again.

I’ve worked hybrid from pre- my HR days (2013 onwards) so I’m very set in my ways.

Nope. Not worth it financially and losing the benefit of being home for the kids when they come in from school.

How long have you worked for LA? Your holidays will increase to 32 days after 5 years service and also have the option to buy extra days. Massive difference to 25 days.
Also the LGPS is worth more than private pensions and hours at 37 per week with all the added flexibility is no comparison to an extra 4K gross.
I’d finish your qualifications in full and ask for some job shadowing in HR in local government if you can.

I’d stay put for a few more years until the kids area bit older and to build that pension up. Is it likely you’ll get this opportunity again?

The employer pension contribution is meaningless in your current role. It’s an arbitrary number that has no bearing on the actual pension you’ll receive.

A defined benefit pension such as the LGPS is worth something like an extra £20k. There’s no way on earth I’d give it up just for £4k more, even without giving up the WFH!

I think in your position I’d take it. It’s an opportunity to train into the area you want to work in. You will easily find a role soon enough after you’ve qualified.

The point is if you are breaking into a new role then you can’t go demanding all sorts.

Accept the role, build up your experience then move onto a job with better benefits

Sick pay I wouldn't care about (hope not to be ill). But the pension! Don't move.
Also 2 days less holiday, that's a nice thing to have with kids.

Looks like you are financially far better off staying where you are to me from those figures, OP. 6 months sick pay versus only 5 days too!

Annual leave, pension and general office culture/ flexibility in comparison to current job would all play a factor.

How much would it be after tax and how much will you spend on the commute and extra wrap around care (if any).

Other thing to think about is as you are changing careers how does the job compare to other HR jobs in terms of salary and office time.

My answer depends a lot on that. But generally, no in wouldn't. But my commuting costs would eat all and more of the £4k.