Leaving a substantive role to go to a fixed term role - risks/benefits etc

[Pokemon0]

I work in the NHS in a Band 5 non-clinical role.
I hate it, it's a toxic culture where I work and we will shortly be asked to come into the office 5 days a week which isn't workable for me.
I started looking for jobs around 6 weeks ago.
I've since had 2 job offers.

First:
Substantive role at Band 5
4 days WFH - 1 day in the office (it's a longer drive than I usually do)
Employer is willing to bump me up to the next spine point in Band 5 as I am in the mid spine point.
Good exposure of HR and a could help develop a career in HR.
Not an NHS Trust so not based in a hospital but still NHS subsidiary.

Second:
Fixed term maternity cover for 10 months at Band 6
Predominantly WFH, only going in for meetings.
Line management responsibilities
6k more than I am on now.
Good exposure of working in medical leadership and could help develop my line management experience.
I have been told the substantive person is definitely coming back so I would need to start looking around September/October time.
I know 2 x members of the Board who have assured me they would find me something else in the organisation.
There is constant moving around the organisation so there are bound to be opportunities.

Situation:
I rent - tenancy up for renewal in August 24.
I am a single parent to a primary aged child.
One income in my house hold.
I receive a small amount of UC
I receive a paltry amount of CMS.

What should I do?

I have kept both employers on ice and just considering what I should do. I do want the Band 6 role but is such a risk leaving substantive to go to a FTC.

Any help with decision making would be gratefully received.

Bumping x

Sorry I don't have any advice but didn't want to ignore. Personally I would be apprehensive about a fixed-term job as I have a family to support, but I always err on the side of caution.

If I was in your position I would accept the band 5 post.

How do you receive UC on Band 5?

I would go for the band 5 as I would worry I wouldn't be able to prove ongoing income if you need to get a new tenancy - it's possible your LL may give notice, obviously I don't know how likely that is and you may have a good relationship with your LL but you never know.

I have done a few FTCs now and something always comes up (I’m non-NHS, I’d think NHS would have even more). I’ve enjoyed the variety BUT we are not totally reliant on my wage so less risk. I’ve also been paid a few different ways (that might not be the case for you if staying within NHS?) so cashflow needs to be thought of, and my tax has been buggered up in the short term.

How is that relevant?

This is my hesitation, my household is wholly reliant on my income. The band 5 will be at the top of the band so still a pay increase but just effectively doing the same job.

Could you ask your current employer to second you to the band 6 role?

I would recommend substantive because HR is a good career with loads of interesting areas, such as payroll, recruitment, learning and development, employment law.

Certainly not the 10 month role. How long is 1st one fixed for? I would not leave if less than 2 years

I think this all comes down to what your personal level of risk is and how you would feel about not having guaranteed employment after the Fixed term role. Plus how confident you are something would come up at the end of that role

I’m also a single parent and as a result very risk averse - I know I’d personally find it a background level of stress knowing I had to find another job in 6 months which would have an effect on me. However I’m equally aware that this approach has definitely meant I’ve been held back in both my career and overall earning - so kind of wish I could get more comfortable with a level of risk!

Band 5 role is substantive.