The public sector plays a vital role in society. It provides essential services and infrastructure that impact our lives daily. To deliver these services, public organisations are turning more and more to technology. This has created a growing demand for tech professionals in the public sector. Public sector technology jobs are in high demand in the UK, as the government invests in digital transformation and innovation.

Tech jobs in this sector involve using technology to provide public services, such as health, education, security, and education. And for those working in the sector, it provides a unique and rewarding career path.

Benefits of public-sector tech jobs
There are a whole host of IT jobs within the sector, from Public sector developer jobs, and cyber security roles to data analyst jobs and business analyst jobs. Whatever the role, there are a host of benefits that are unique to the sector, too.

Salaries, benefits, and annual leave
Salaries for tech roles within the public sector are competitive. According to a report by Tech Nation, the median salary for public sector tech workers in the UK was £47,000 in 2022, compared to £45,000 for private sector tech workers. Although private sector positions sometimes boast higher initial salaries, public sector IT jobs make up for it with more comprehensive benefits, such as good pension plans, generous paid time off, and a healthy work-life balance. Over time, these benefits add up to a strong compensation package.

Those working outside of the public sector are not aware of the generous annual leave entitlement that is often applicable to the roles. Although this is dependent on the type of role, you may have around 30 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays. This is higher than the basic 20-to-25-day standard allowance in the private sector.

Job Stability and Security
The public sector tends to be less influenced by economic uncertainty. This means that tech professionals in the public sector can enjoy a stable work environment and have a lower risk of redundancy. Public sector recruitment remains strong. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were an estimated 5.87 million employees in the public sector in June 2023, which is 133,000 (2.3%) more than in June 2022.

Making a Meaningful Impact
Working in the public sector means playing a vital role in people's lives. Working in tech, you’ll be helping to provide essential services and infrastructure through technology. Public sector tech professionals work on projects that impact the wellbeing of their communities and society. Whether it's improving healthcare systems, optimising transportation networks, or enhancing public safety, the sense of purpose that comes with public sector work is rewarding.

Diversity and inclusion
The Public sector is committed to diverse and inclusive workplaces. They promote equal employment opportunities in their job advertisements. And they create environments that welcome individuals from all backgrounds. The sector brings together people from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures. This commitment to diversity makes these tech jobs more inclusive and supportive. This dynamic and inclusive atmosphere enables you to enhance your soft skills and broaden your perspectives.

Flexibility
Public sector tech workers have more flexibility in choosing their work hours and locations than private-sector tech workers. Many organisations within the public sector offer options such as part-time work, job sharing, compressed hours, and remote work.

Public sector tech jobs often emphasise work-life balance, making them an attractive option for those seeking a fulfilling career without sacrificing their personal lives. Many public organisations offer flexible work arrangements, hybrid working options, and family-friendly policies, enabling employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With part-time, full-time, remote tech jobs, and flexible contract options, you can find a role that suits your circumstances while still making an impact in the field of tech.

Location
London used to be the biggest technology hub in the UK, with a large concentration of technology workers and businesses residing in the city, but the concentration of tech employment in the UK has spread since the COVID-19 pandemic introduced more flexibility into working life.

Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is a common sentiment among tech professionals in the public sector. Knowing that their work contributes to the greater good and impacts their communities can be fulfilling. The sense of purpose that comes with public sector tech jobs often leads to higher job satisfaction levels.

Learning and development
The Public sector prioritises employee development and growth. There are often opportunities for training and development to help tech professionals stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. Additionally, public sector tech jobs offer a diverse range of projects. This enables employees to gain work experience in different areas.

Find out more about IT roles in the Public sector
Public sector tech jobs offer benefits that make them an attractive career choice. From job stability and flexibility to meaningful work and professional development, tech professionals in the public sector enjoy a diverse and rewarding career. If you're looking for a fulfilling and secure career in IT, consider exploring the opportunities that are available. https://www.morganhunt.com/jobs/jobfunction/technology/11

The cost-of-living crisis continues to weigh heavily on individuals, forcing a re-evaluation of retirement plans for many. Recent research by WEALTH at work has uncovered concerning statistics: a staggering eight in 10 employees (83%) are worried that the cost-of-living crisis will necessitate working longer before they can comfortably retire.

To cope with immediate financial pressures, some have resorted to reducing or ceasing their pension contributions altogether (13%), while nearly three in 10 (29%) contemplate discontinuing payments in the future, and one third (30%) are considering reducing future contributions.

In the face of these alarming numbers, both employers and employees must take proactive steps to engage with pension planning. In this blog post, we'll explore ways to engage with pensions amid the cost-of-living crisis, offering strategies to navigate current financial challenges and secure a more stable retirement.

For Employers

1. Transparent Communication
   Employers should proactively address employees' concerns about the cost of living and its impact on retirement savings. Provide regular updates and educational materials explaining the importance of consistent pension contributions.

2. Offer Educational Programs
   Employers can introduce educational programs that include guidance on managing expenses, budgeting, and debt reduction. These programs can help employees alleviate immediate financial pressures and free up resources for retirement savings.

3. Flexible Pension Contribution Options
   Consider offering flexible pension contribution options that allow employees to adjust their contributions based on their current financial situation. This can help employees continue saving for retirement even during challenging times.

4. Encourage Early Engagement
   Encourage employees to engage with their pensions early in their careers. Emphasise the benefits of compound interest and how even small contributions over time can make a substantial difference in retirement savings.

5. Investment Diversification
   Educate employees about the importance of a diversified investment portfolio within their pension plan. A well-balanced portfolio can potentially mitigate the impact of market volatility and boost long-term returns.

6. Professional Guidance
   Provide access to financial advisors, these experts can help employees navigate the current financial landscape, make informed decisions, and set realistic retirement goals.

For Employees

In these times of rising living costs and financial uncertainty, employees have a vital role to play in securing their retirement. Here are some proactive steps individuals can take:

1. Assess Your Financial Situation
   Start by taking a close look at your current financial situation. Create a budget to understand your income, expenses, and areas where you can potentially cut back. Knowing where your money is going is the first step towards making informed financial decisions.

2. Employer Matching
   If your employer offers a pension plan with a matching contribution, take full advantage of it. It's essentially free money that can boost your retirement savings. Contribute at least enough to receive the maximum employer match.

3. Educate Yourself
   Take the initiative to educate yourself about your pension plan. Understand the investment options available, the fees involved, and the potential for growth over time. Ask your employer for educational resources or attend pension webinars.

4. Review and Adjust Your Portfolio
   Regularly review your pension portfolio to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Adjust your investments as needed to respond to changes in your financial situation or market conditions.

5. Control Lifestyle Inflation
   As your income grows, be cautious about lifestyle inflation. Rather than increasing your spending with each pay raise, consider allocating a portion of the extra income toward retirement savings.

6. Develop an Emergency Fund
   To avoid dipping into your retirement savings during unexpected financial crises, build an emergency fund. Having a cushion for unforeseen expenses can help protect your long-term retirement goals.

In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, it's crucial for both employees and employers to take proactive steps to secure their financial future. By making informed decisions, maintaining a focus on retirement savings, and seeking guidance when needed, individuals can navigate these challenges and work towards a more secure retirement. Employers also have a significant role to play in providing resources, education, and flexible pension options to support their workforce in these uncertain times.

Remember that your retirement is ultimately in your hands, and every effort you make today, as both an employee and employer, can have a positive impact on your future financial well-being.

Find further career advice articles here: www.morganhunt.com/career-advice

As colleges head back this September for a new term, further education (FE) teaching jobs go unfilled. This is due to different reasons. For one, vocational education is becoming more important in the UK. The demand for skills-based knowledge, technical skills, and employability skills among employers has increased. More and more young people are also seeing the benefits of studying subjects such as technology and the career opportunities it opens nowadays.

There is a skills shortage for FE jobs in the UK, and this is coupled with the fact that many skilled trades and professions believe that specialist teaching qualifications and degrees in education are needed to teach at college.

Further education jobs in London and beyond do not always need teaching experience or certain academic qualifications. Courses such as bricklaying, engineering, mechanics, hairdressing, and plumbing need experienced, skilled workers to teach the next generation.

If you’re an industry professional or working in the trades, you may not have even considered FE teaching as a viable option for your next career move. These days, we talk about ‘portfolio careers’, and changing jobs is no longer a red flag; rather, it is an accepted norm in the wider employment market. So, if you have had enough of working in industry, now could be a great time to enter the FE sector.
 

On-the-job learning
Jobs in FE colleges now focus on how valuable years of hands-on experience are as opposed to holding set qualifications. Some further education teaching jobs have on-the-job training, and some further education teaching jobs come with funding to obtain teaching qualifications.
 

Now is a great time to embark on a FE career
The government has plans to bring 4,000 teachers into the FE sector by 2025. Moreover, they have also launched a £5 million scheme called the Taking Teaching Further programme, which will pay for up to 150 professionals from sectors such as engineering and computing to retrain as further education teachers.

In the UK today, the skills shortage is impacting FE colleges. There is a particular shortage of teachers in STEM subjects (science, technology, English, and Maths), as well as construction and engineering. The demand for talented people to work in further education has never been greater.

Besides industry-experienced teaching staff, vacancies for assessors for vocational subjects such as plumbing, electrical installation, bricklaying, and hairdressing continue to rise.

Jobs in further education make for a stable career move. With redundancies often taking place in the private sector, this is a real selling point in the post-COVID-19 world. If you’re tempted to move into further education the risk you are taking, is a safe one.
 

Your years in industry count, significantly
When you work in further education, you will still get to practise the trade you trained in and are passionate about. With an FE career, you will be safe in the knowledge that you are influencing and shaping the next generation of industry experts. Young people like you.

There are lots of rewards to teaching in FE including opportunities for creativity and innovation. It’s not uncommon to encounter students in further education who may have struggled within a school environment and will respond to a more innovative and individualised approach. Those who work in FE and come from an industry background tend to approach teaching with enthusiasm. This positive attitude assists students in applying their skills to real-life scenarios.
 

Finding FE jobs in the UK
According to data from the AoC, there are 277 colleges in the UK, including 232 colleges in England and 45 sixth-form colleges. FE vacancies can be found in:

• Further Education colleges
• Sixth-form colleges
• Private educational providers

A reputable teaching agency, such as Morgan Hunt’s education recruitment division, can help you find these vacancies. Morgan Hunt has been a market leader in placing people in further education jobs in London since 2004.

Further education jobs are varied and FE job titles include:

• Lecturer
• Teacher
• Trainer
• Tutor
• Technician
•  Learning support assistant
•  Student with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (SLDD) assistant
•  Business support and operational roles
   

The joys of working in FE
An FE career is rewarding as you are playing a vital role in the education of young people looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

One of the most attractive prospects about working in further education jobs is the chance for flexible work that isn’t available in other career paths. Many workers are disillusioned with the daily ‘9 to 5‘, limited holiday, and weekend work required by those working in industry sectors such as hairdressing or mechanics.
 

Benefits of moving into FE from industry

• Flexibility: Teaching in further education is flexible. You can teach full-time, part-time, or even on an ad-hoc basis.
• Learning and development (L&D): You may have the opportunity to work towards teaching qualifications or participate in specialist training
• Supplement your retirement: If you’re taking early retirement or looking to semi-retire, working part-time as a teacher, assistant, or assessor can supplement your income and help with the cost-of-living crisis.
• Salaries: Wages for all roles within the FE sector are competitive.
• Benefits: Further education teaching jobs often offer attractive benefits, including good pension schemes, generous annual leave, and a good work-life balance.
• Diversity and inclusion (D&I): FE colleges are hubs of diversity, bringing together staff and students from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures.
   

If you’re working in industry, you might not be aware of the generous annual leave entitlement that comes with FE. Although this is dependent on the type of role, most full-time FE jobs are entitled to around 38 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays. This is higher than the standard 20 to 25-day allowance.

Morgan Hunt specialises in placing experienced individuals like yourself in a range of further FE jobs in London and the UK, from lecturing positions to support roles. If you're looking for jobs in further education, search for our FE vacancies here. With colleges having started back this September, now is the time to apply!