Some of the biggest companies are in the public sector and over 6 million people in Britain work for one. The main jobs you would think of in the private sector are in schools, councils and emergency services, but there are also scientist posts and research positions that can be found in the public sector.
The public sector is managed by the government, therefore all the targets and budgets that are given to the public sector are set by government departments. Some employees want to know what the benefits of working in the public sector are compared to the private sector. So, below are some benefits of what employees could receive if they were to look for a job in the public sector.
Benefits
Flexibility
The public sector recognises the different circumstances that affect employees and can accommodate their needs by providing flexible working hours. Flexible working hours are commonly used and are based around normal working hours or working shift patterns. Some public organisations allow for personal choice of hours but only if the amount of core hours given are worked in the month. Part time and job-sharing hours are also other ways in which the public sector offers flexibility.
Training schemes
Public sector organisations encourage their staff to attend training programmes to develop their skills and attain external qualifications. It is normally required that employees will have to undergo some external training as public organisations are committed to improving the potential of their staff, and they also can provide the funding. Further training for recent graduates is more likely to be given by an organisation in the public sector than the private sector, as public organisations are eager to increase an individual’s potential if they are keen to learn and develop.
Salary
A report has found that the employees who work in the public sector spend fewer years at work over a lifetime than employees in the private sector and they earn 30% more. The amount of money you can earn working in the public sector is competitive when comparing to the private sector. You often work less hours in the public sector but for the same, if not more money than those in the private sector. There are also pay bands which tell you how much you will be earning so it easier to distinguish what you want to be earning and how you can get a higher salary.
Of course, your salary all depends on certain factors like occupation and location. IT and internet jobs are the second highest paying jobs in the public sector earning an average salary of £42,500 annually.
Job Security
Feeling secure in your job is what every employee wants in the working world today. The public sector can offer more job security than the private sector as they have the stability of the government behind them. They are a lot less likely to go under or be sold to a private equity company. Therefore, if job security is important to you then the public sector is a good option as it is seen as a huge perk.
Working Atmosphere
The public sector provides a less demanding atmosphere compared to the private sector. Employees feel like they are not pressured to make a profit and feel less stressed working for an organisation in the public sector. Although working standards are high in the public sector there isn’t an obvious competitiveness which is often found in the private sector. Overall, a good work life balance is highly encouraged as there is less emphasis on long hours.