Benefits of working at LJMU

We recognise that employees have various responsibilities at home as well as at work. Work Life Balance is an intrinsic element of the University’s Health and Wellbeing Framework, and we offer a range of benefits to support this.

Annual leave

We offer excellent annual leave provision. Full time staff receive a generous annual leave package that amounts to 30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers in roles at grade 8 and above. Alongside this, you’re entitled to the eight standard UK bank holidays.

You will also benefit from the University closing for up to five days between Christmas and New Year. This is in addition to your leave provision.

Additional annual leave

In addition to our generous annual leave entitlement, we offer you the opportunity to request and purchase up to four weeks extra annual leave. This allows you to make savings on the cost via salary sacrifice.

Hybrid working

Our commitment to the hybrid working model allows you to be flexible and work on campus and remotely, where possible. The scheme provides the best possible student experience and employee work-life balance.

Hybrid working depends upon the nature of the work being undertaken. Specific arrangements for hybrid working are determined by local team charters.

Flexible working

Flexible working can increase motivation, promote work-life balance, reduce stress and improve performance.

We have several flexible working schemes including job-shares, flexible working hours and part-time roles. We always consider requests for flexible working and will accommodate them where possible.

Family friendly policies

Our aim is to continue supporting you to balance demands in both your career and personal life. We have very generous maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave schemes offering enhanced payments to the statutory provisions.

You can also access statutory unpaid parental leave and request unpaid leave for urgent domestic reasons.

Career break

We recognise that some staff may wish or need to take an extended period of unpaid time away from work. The University will consider career break applications from all employees. Career breaks are at the discretion of the concerned Faculty, School or Service. Local arrangements will apply.

We are a proud accredited Living Wage Employer, and will continue to pay all our employees a Living Wage.

Pay

Our salaries are based on a low contractual 35 hour working week. We offer competitive rates of pay and an annual increase in line with the sector negotiated national pay award. Each year, you will also be entitled to an annual increment of approximately 2-3% a year. This continues as you progress through the grade until you reach the maximum point.

Senior staff and professors are eligible for an annual pay review to recognise and reward exceptional performance. 

Pension schemes

One of the biggest benefits of working at LJMU is access to one of our generous pension schemes. The University makes a significant contribution to these pension schemes alongside individual contributions. These schemes also make provisions for other benefits such as life cover and ill-health retirement.

• We enrol non-academic staff into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), managed by Merseyside Pension Fund. LJMU pays a monthly contribution of 17.5% of your salary into your pension scheme.
• We enrol teaching staff into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). LJMU pays a monthly contribution of 28.68% of your salary into your pension scheme.

Financial Education

Planning your financial future is important.  LJMU provides a range of webinars, guides and calculators to help you understand and take control of your financial future. You will also have the ability to connect with a qualified Financial Adviser and ask any financial questions.

Volunteering

Our students are at the heart of everything we do. We like to give our staff the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the student journey including helping out at events. For example, volunteering at graduation ceremonies is a fantastic way to celebrate the success and achievements we’ve all worked towards. Volunteering to support clearing and open days helps new and prospective students start their university journeys at an exciting time of their lives.

Staff networks

We embrace different cultures, communities and experiences and are passionate about taking positive actions towards greater equality while challenging unfairness.

We have a range of staff networks, organised and led by our Diversity and Inclusion Team. Our staff networks  provide a safe space to share experiences and challenge organisational practices. This allows us to create a more inclusive working environment.

University staff network members can attend approved meetings and events that are related to these groups during working hours. 

Find out more about our Staff Networks and Diversity and Inclusion at LJMU.

LJMU Climate action

LJMU is at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate change and play a leading role in finding sustainable solutions. We work closely with partners at local, national and global levels to develop sustainable solutions for travel, our campus and local communities. Our ultimate goal is to be net carbon zero by 2035.

Find out more about what we are doing and how you can contribute on our dedicated Climate Action website.

Payroll Giving

The university operates a Payroll Giving scheme via Charities Trust. You can donate straight from your pay to any UK registered charity. It’s easy, safe and tax-friendly. Our charitable giving scheme helps you to give back to the wider community at a lesser cost through salary sacrifice. This means your chosen charity receives a larger donation.

The wellbeing of our staff is a top priority, and we offer a wide range of wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year.

This package of services and resources includes access to a trained counsellor via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a programme of wellbeing activities and a range of support and resources to help you look after your mental and physical wellbeing.

You can find more information about wellbeing at LJMU on our dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub.

Lifestyle Savings

Through our reward and benefits platform, you can make savings on day-to-day purchases across a range of retail outlets. This includes supermarkets, restaurants, cinema, travel and much more. You can also make savings if you sign up for Medicash Active and Unum Dental health insurance plans.

Interest Free Loans

LJMU offers loans to staff that are interest free and repayable across twelve monthly instalments.

Staff Loan

You can access an interest free loan up to a maximum of £1,000. You can use this loan for everyday items such as holidays, large goods or to clear outstanding credit balances.

Travel Loan

We understand that the cost of travelling to work can be expensive; so we offer an Annual Season Ticket loan up to a maximum value of £2500.

Cycle to Work Loan

We operate a Cycle to Work Scheme through Cycle Solutions. You can take out a loan of up to £2000 towards the cost of a bike and accessories.

We provide cycling facilities for both staff and students. Storage spaces, and shower and changing facilities are located across all campuses.

Car scheme

We are partnered with Tusker. Tusker is a sustainable car-leasing scheme which enables you to drive a brand-new car for an affordable fixed monthly amount. This is part of a salary sacrifice initiative.

Discounted Sports facilities

You will also be entitled to massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building for just £40 per year. Or, you can opt to sign up for a Liverpool City Council Corporate Lifestyles Gym membership at a discounted rate.

LJMU commits to the support and development of its staff. We encourage individuals and teams to embrace opportunities for skill development and self-improvement. 

We provide a wide range of engaging and impactful training and development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and meet your career ambitions.

Opportunities also range from taking part in special projects and cross-university work, to engaging in one-to-one coaching and mentoring.

You can find more information about continuing personal and professional development at LJMU on our dedicated Organisational Development website.