The NJC pay spine
Many local government roles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland use the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services Green Book. Jobs are evaluated and placed on spinal column points (SCPs) within grades. You typically progress by annual increment until the top of your scale, plus national pay awards negotiated with unions.
Social workers, revenues staff and professional grades
Professional roles (social workers, planners, lawyers) and administrative grades each map to NJC ranges. A social worker and a revenues officer may be on different scales even within the same council. Our role calculators use illustrative mapping for each job title.
Local variation
Councils may pay market supplements, honoraria or local allowances. London boroughs and high-cost areas sometimes offer recruitment premiums. Maternity, sick pay and leave follow NJC minimums but authorities can improve on them. Check your council intranet.
Try these calculators
See LGA pay and reward.