Civil Service

Hi,
I'm considering a move into the public sector and trying to way up the pros and cons. I didn't want to hijack the other thread with my questions.
Can anyone answer the following Qs?
-If you are given a number on the panel after interview does that mean you have the job? and what is the general waiting time on the panel?
-Do civil service top up maternity pay?
-If so how long do you need to be employed?
-How long do you have to be employed before you can take parental leave?
-Assuming you were taken on as a permanent employee is there generally a probation period and how long does this last?
-What are the other benfits of civil service. I am currently in a company where the benefits are second to none so I know I am going to be losing out but how much?

Thanks

Button said:

Hi,
I'm considering a move into the public sector and trying to way up the pros and cons. I didn't want to hijack the other thread with my questions.
Can anyone answer the following Qs?
-If you are given a number on the panel after interview does that mean you have the job?

Click to expand...

The panel system within the public service is very confusing at the best of times, I only know about cos I have been through it.

Essentially, If you are placed on a panel and given a number lets say 19. If the panel consists of 95 places then will be the 19th person to offered a job as the arise. You can offered the positon a three separate occasions.,

1) One year Temp Contract
2) Two year Temp Contract
3) Permanent Contract.

In my case i was given a two year contract but within those two years a permanent position became available. The higher you are up in the panel the more likely you are to get position the first time around. A panel is only valid for two years so after that time if you have not been offered a place , you have to reapply.

Button said:

Hi,
-Assuming you were taken on as a permanent employee is there generally a probation period and how long does this last?
Thanks

Click to expand...

Your probation period last two years but can be extended if management decide so.

Thanks,

I am fairly high on the panel so I should have a good chance of being offered a position.

Your probation period last two years but can be extended if management decide so.

Click to expand...

I assume when you are on the probabtion period you are not eligible for parerntal leave?

Rules for parental leave are here.