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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Started a new job, got a contract and..

34 replies

Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:20

Only statutory allowances for sick and maternity pay, very low pension contribution, £28,000 a year for 37 hours. Does this sound like a good deal?

It's the lack of sick/maternity pay etc. Which concern me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:21

I'm 34 years old and live alone, no dependants.

OP posts:
weathervane1 · 07/03/2025 21:21

What was the job offer before you were sent the contract?

Sunnierclime · 07/03/2025 21:22

What’s the job?

Are you ill / trying for a baby?

BunsenBurnerBaby · 07/03/2025 21:22

Depends on the job. If those are unexpected and important to you should have asked before taking the job on.

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:22

weathervane1 · 07/03/2025 21:21

What was the job offer before you were sent the contract?

It was the same I just wasn't sure about the other benefits, if there were any.

OP posts:
noctilucentcloud · 07/03/2025 21:22

It completely depends on what the job is, the level of responsibility and the qualifications needed.

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:23

It's a support work type role. I'm fortunately not sick, but what if I am one day. Not currently TTC but I would like to in the next couple of years.

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IslandsAround · 07/03/2025 21:24

Hello @Addictedtofizzydrinks34 - depends on the job I guess. And your plans for family.

if you are a surgeon who wants to start a family - yes wrong job.

If receptionist of small hotel with flexible working that works for you - crack on

BunsenBurnerBaby · 07/03/2025 21:25

What have you had before? Have you changed industries? (Just come out of public sector?) Where does the job take you?

Onabench · 07/03/2025 21:25

That's very poor but as above, may depend on the job. Always find these things out first

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:26

BunsenBurnerBaby · 07/03/2025 21:25

What have you had before? Have you changed industries? (Just come out of public sector?) Where does the job take you?

I've just come out of the Civil Service which obviously has these benefits, but thinking to go back (it is an option)
The raises would be performance based yearly.

OP posts:
Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:27

It is my fault for not finding out.

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BunsenBurnerBaby · 07/03/2025 21:27

Civil Service level of benefits not found in the private sector on the whole

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:29

Sick pay is shocking in this country. I've no idea how people with long-term illnesses manage, it's really not fair. They're unwell as it is without the added stress of no money coming in.

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ihith · 07/03/2025 21:32

I've been public sector pretty much all my career and it blew my mind when I (recently, embarrassingly) found out sick leave wasn't paid everywhere.

I think it depends on your career goals, does this job get you somewhere? Do you have a plan? It sounds like you don't need to imminently worry about the whole package, but if you want to strive for more, you need to plan it.

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:34

ihith · 07/03/2025 21:32

I've been public sector pretty much all my career and it blew my mind when I (recently, embarrassingly) found out sick leave wasn't paid everywhere.

I think it depends on your career goals, does this job get you somewhere? Do you have a plan? It sounds like you don't need to imminently worry about the whole package, but if you want to strive for more, you need to plan it.

I'd like a family in the next couple of years, and atm I don't have the savings available if I were to get sick or to go on a longer maternity leave.
I was stupid to take this job. It's only been a fortnight so I'll leave now and go back before I waste any more of their time.

OP posts:
Pigsears · 07/03/2025 21:36

If you have moved out of civil service you are in for a shock.

3% employer and 5% employee is the statutory minimum pension.

Possibly no annual pay increases, bare bones annual leave, can be 'let go' for pretty much anything before 2 years etc etc

Is it a good deal? Depends on what your alternatives are.

LIZS · 07/03/2025 21:38

Not that unusual tbh.

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:38

Pigsears · 07/03/2025 21:36

If you have moved out of civil service you are in for a shock.

3% employer and 5% employee is the statutory minimum pension.

Possibly no annual pay increases, bare bones annual leave, can be 'let go' for pretty much anything before 2 years etc etc

Is it a good deal? Depends on what your alternatives are.

I've decided to go back to my old CS role (fortunately this is an option)
I have recently bought a home and so don't currently have savings. I live alone, have a boyfriend but we don't yet live together and he's self employed.
So if I were long term sick I'd be screwed tbh.

OP posts:
ihith · 07/03/2025 21:41

I'd like a family in the next couple of years, and atm I don't have the savings available if I were to get sick or to go on a longer maternity leave.I was stupid to take this job. It's only been a fortnight so I'll leave now and go back before I waste any more of their time

What grade are you in the CS? I'd get a mentor and plan your promotion, it's possible to plan a (relatively) lucrative career in the CS.

Pigsears · 07/03/2025 21:42

It's easy to see why people on the terms this job is on, get annoyed when civil service employees get a salary increase of somewhere around 5%... and complain.

PrimalLass · 07/03/2025 21:45

I wouldn't leave the civil service for that. I'm trying to get in!

ihith · 07/03/2025 21:45

@Pigsears I mean that's happened once in like 20 years so I hope those who are annoyed didn't spend too much time thinking about it...

Crazybaby123 · 07/03/2025 21:47

No, the benefits are rubbish. Go back to xivil service. Add the cost of benefits and pebsion contribution to your salary to work out total packages. Ask before you join anywhere what the benefits are, or resesrch them on glassdoor website. You will be ok right now with this job but it offers you no security. If I am working for shareholders and fat cats for pittence then I at least want to know I can survive if I had to take extended sick pay and at least my retirement will be worth all those years I put in.

Original poster
Addictedtofizzydrinks34 · 07/03/2025 21:50

Wondering if it'd be worth me getting critical illness cover, to make up the shortfall of no sick pay?

OP posts: