Job offer but not sure if I should leave the HSE yet?

JesseJane

Hi all, I work as a clerical officer in the HSE. I'm not enamored with where I am currently but am hoping after the freeze ends more opportunities will arise. In the meantime I have been looking around. I was offered a job in the private sector. The starting pay is really low but they tell me I can apply for incremental credit. Im trying to weigh things up. I will lose out on flexi days and parental leave and I get more annual leave in my current job but I do get hybrid working. Then there the public pay rise. Am I mad to stay or mad to consider leaving?I'm older so pension doesnt amount to much anyway. I had hoped to move up quickly when I joined but the freeze put a stop to that. I know ultimately the decision is mine just hoping for some feedback. Thanks.

Mick ah

Don't do it OP.

Only move jobs if it's going to help you achieve your goals.

Low pay in private industry is just that, low pay. You'd want to be getting a pay increase to leave the public service. Especially when you consider the other benefits of the PS that you listed.

How ambitious are you regarding "moving up" and do you really believe that this company will offer opportunities you're looking for? Why didn't you apply for roles in the private sector that you consider to be a step up?

Mrs OBumble

Are you on Public Jobs panels?

Rosahane

One benefit of a Public Service job is the opportunity for employer funded further education. getting qualifications leads to promotions. Maybe consider that!

tohaltuwi

you would be mad to leave your public service job, the private one might not be great either, no guarantee of future pay rises without doing further courses. Sick leave, annual leave, flexi-days etc all important. Do any courses on offer in the HSE.

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122070035#Comment_122070035

I didn't know the salary until the end of the interview and when I questioned it they said I could apply for incremental credit after I started the job but theres no guarantee I would get it.

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122070564#Comment_122070564

I'm On two other public sector panels.

Geuze

The PS pension is a valuable part of the job.

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071023#Comment_122071023

I'd hang out for them: the HSE is a bit of a basket case at times, other places often had more actual opportunities.

A private sector job where you can apply for incremental credit is very unusual: maybe it's got a government contract so is using government payscales? This could make it OK because there would be increments - but as hou say without the other benefits, or wider opportunities.

Flinty997

I wouldn't move for less money. No way.

Norrie Rugger Head

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071016#Comment_122071016

That means no. If it's not committed to it's not happening

Norrie Rugger Head

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071046#Comment_122071046

There are far better in private roles.

My old Diageo pisses all over the public sector pension (especially if one factors in the state pension, which public pension removes)

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071046#Comment_122071046

No for anyone older who is a new entrant to the single-pension scheme. Unless they can manage some very quick promotions (which just isn't possible in some organisations), they may end up with a government-employer pension which gives them virtually nothing, due to the state pension equivalent being deducted before any payment is calculated. (I'm explaining that horribly).

Norrie Rugger Head

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071604#Comment_122071604

Nope you're right.

They could end up paying their state pension contribution their entire life, pay into the public sector pension for the time they are there too, and literally come away with just the equivalent of the state pension value.

It's a joke

cute geoge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071624#Comment_122071624

I have 30 years A stamp contributions and joined c.s this year and am deducted at least 15/week into pension .Is this money down the drain so

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071764#Comment_122071764

It depends on how long you stay, and if you get promoted to a high enough salary that the public-sector pension contributions you made by retirement a large enough that you qualify for a pension higher than the state pension.

But - quite possibly yes, it's down the drain. Compulsory to contribute, and you may get absolutely nothing back. It's hugely unfair.

Ezeoul

In your circumstances, OP, I would stay where you are for now. It sounds like you're giving up a lot.

I would also be very wary of a private company telling you you can apply for incremental credit based on your public sector role, but "no guarantees".

If unhappy in your current role, and hybrid working is your incentive for moving jobs, maybe apply for other public sector roles, specifically civil service. Or hold out for the panels you're on.

...Ghost...

Stay where you are OP. Don't move unless it really makes sense to. Sounds like you're not feeling it. It has to be about more than money to move. But then I'm a bit of a stickler, so take that with a pinch of salt. I very recently turned down a job that would have given me a pay increase of about 500%. It would have meant moving to Sweden (the very north near the arctic circle) and coming home to family maybe twice per month. It was a very interesting role with great salary of course, but ultimately the money wasn't enough. Family values. So do consider what you are leaving before moving…even if it's not to a different country.

Geuze

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071604#Comment_122071604

Yes, the SPSPS is less generous than the previous PS schemes.

But it is still good.

What you outline is possible, but will only apply to people on an annual wage of 29k.

Geuze

If the PS wage is low, say 30k, then both the pension contributions and the benefits will be low.

It is not the case that low-paid PS are making big pension conts, and getting less back.

noodler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122072056#Comment_122072056

Correct.

Geuze

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071902#Comment_122071902

I don't think this is possible? I will check. Take a PS on 30k.

Contributions

= 3% of 30,000 = 900

plus 3.5% of (30,000 less 2*52.18*277.30) = 3.5% of (30,000 - 28,939) = 37

Total contribution = 937 pa

Total contribution over 40 years = 37,480

Benefits

Tax free lump-sum of 3.75% of 30,000 = 1125 * 40 yrs = 45,000

On the lump alone, you are ahead.

Pension = 0.58% of 30,000 = 174 * 40 years = 6960 pension per annum

Mrs OBumble

You are ignoring age of entry.

Do some modelling for someone entering at age 56 with 30 years of Class A stamps, for example and its a very different story.

Contribution is low - but benefit next to non existent.

Norrie Rugger Head

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122072056#Comment_122072056

The issue is when the person joins and how many years to pension

Geuze

Obviously if years of service is low, then pension is lower.

But that applies to all pensions schemes.

Norrie Rugger Head

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122072139#Comment_122072139

All pension schemes don't reduce their pay to match your state pension

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122072139#Comment_122072139

In my private sector job, I can choose not to join the pension scheme if there would be no payout. State sector employees have no choice in the matter.

JesseJane

I can also "top up" my pension contributions which, if I stay, I plan to do or else it will be worth very little by retirement. There is a lot to consider to be honest but I'm swaying towards staying for now and trying to get on other PS panels when the opportunities arise.

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122071046#Comment_122071046

That depends on a few variables in reality. For a lot of people the pension isn't the be all and end all as mentioned by others.

That said, there are others benefits to PS working however not everybody has access to them, depending on role etc.

I would want to be taking a significant pay rise to leave the service however.

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122073044#Comment_122073044

Yeah I tried to get in for years mainly for the security and the chance to move up. It's the recruitment freeze that's put a dampner on things because I'm stuck somewhere I don't want to be! I wish they would end it as its causing problems for everyone those waiting on the panels, those in positions unsuitable or otherwise and of course the service users.

McSween

same here. Why i ever left it i do not know. Im checking hse website every day

Oscar_Madison

@OP- the fact that you’d leave the HSE with all of the benefits you currently have (annual leave, parental leave, more holidays) and less pay just doesn’t make sense.

Even if it was a bit more pay, it sounds like you’ll never make serious money in the private sector with your current qualifications and skills- and that might be totally fine for you - but it’s the job security and the benefits that are currently the best aspects of your employment - I wouldn’t throw them away so quickly - consider further studies, whilst your waiting on opportunities to improve -part time maybe over 4 years so it’s not too pressured on you - choose a course wisely - you’ll thank yourself in years to come

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076225#Comment_122076225

I suppose it is because I'm stuck in a position I really am unhappy in and with the freeze I'm stuck for God knows how long. I can apply for incremental credit if I was to take the other job but theres no guarantee I'd get what I want. I did come from a grade 4 position in the private sector to a grade 3 in the public sector and the job I was offered is more in line with a grade 4 job. However having read through all the replies here I may just stay where I am and keep an eye open for a Grade 4 perhaps in another public sector organisation if the freeze continues indefinitely. Thanks for your advice.

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076079#Comment_122076079

Hopefully the freeze will end sooner rather than later and you will get something that suits you!

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122076649#Comment_122076649

Is there a freeze on internal transfers too?

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077255#Comment_122077255

According to my Line Manager there is. They simply shut that suggestion down when I made it saying no internal movement due to recruitment freeze.

Staplor

I'd sit tight where you are. You'd want a decent increase to leave the public service.

Private sector has no guarantee of anything, you could be out on your ass in a week. Where you are will be less pressure, or if not you can transfer somewhere else.

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077466#Comment_122077466

I'd be asking HR to confirm that, in writing.

Donald Trump

OP, given it's the public sector and the HSE, you could say nothing and just start the other job to see whether you'd like it or not.

If you don't like it, you might be lucky and have up to 2 years or so to just go back to the HSE before anyone notices you aren't there.

/runs away

billyhead

What about taking a career break OP?

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122078505#Comment_122078505

Can't afford it unfortunately! I turned down the job so just hoping now something comes up on public jobs.

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085002#Comment_122085002

I meant take a career break to work the other job.

JesseJane

You can't work while on a career break unless its voluntary work

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085129#Comment_122085129

I cant take a career break and work that's in my contract. Not paid work anyway

Meanman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085429#Comment_122085429

Of course you can work whilst on a career break "just it can't conflict with the job your leaving". e.g. if sales person selling the same product not permitted.

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085721#Comment_122085721

Maybe your contract allows it bur some, perhaps even many, don't.

Oscar_Madison

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085437#Comment_122085437

wow I never heard of that before - must be a public service thing?
A lot of people take career breaks in private sector and work in other occupations- I remember years ago a guy taking a CB and working in the family shop for a year whilst his sister had her baby

Very strange notion not being able to work on a career break - I understand certain limitations such as working for competitors etc

magicray

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122077593#Comment_122077593

I work in the HSE myself, there are lots of internal roles and expression of interest roles being advertised at the moment

You need to keep an eye on https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/

Check every day, click into all the headings you might see something that suits

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085825#Comment_122085825

Thanks I am looking. Not many admin roles yet.

JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085763#Comment_122085763

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JesseJane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122085721#Comment_122085721

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