Benefits for working with the DWP

[dmj]

I have just been offered a job with the DWP which I am very pleased about, although the letter doesnt specify any benefits, i.e pension etc..... Is this job a good career prospect? I am looking for a long term career, I have also been offered a job with a higher salary than DWP and I am just weighing up the pros and cons to both, is the DWP a better long term prospect? my current position will be part time.

thanks for any info x

[Katy May]

Any civil service job is worth considering although isn't the secure job for life that it used to be. The Government is a good employer. You are likely to get a half-way decent pension, flexible working hours (flexitime), 6-months sick leave at full pay and 6 months at half pay (after a certain probationary period I imagine). You should also get either informal or formal training to do your job, regular reviews of your work and other possible benefits. You'll be in an environment where you have the option of moving to different areas of work without changing your employer which has a certain level of security about it.
On the downside, as you've noted, the pay tends to be lower than private sector and (depending what grade you are going in at) the work can be a little dull and repetitive.

I worked for DWP for 13 yrs and never regretted it. They put me through an MA; Project Management courses and other useful training so I'd say it was well worth it.