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Pay and pension

Pay

Your salary will be based upon working a 5 day week of 42 hours, including lunch intervals of 1 hour (37 hours net). A system of flexible working hours is in operation in most areas.

Starting salaries are specific to the role and will be detailed within the information supplied under each vacancy. This should be seen as the definitive salary guide.

GCHQ operates a performance related pay scheme which enables you to move up the salary range at a rate dependent on your overall performance.

Salary is paid in arrears by monthly transfer. Salary scales are reviewed annually in October.

Pension

When you join GCHQ you are eligible to join the Civil Service pension arrangements. We offer two types of pension:

  • nuvos. This is an occupational pension scheme that currently has a 3.5% member contribution rate. As your employer we meet the rest of the cost of the scheme.
  • partnership pension account. This is a stakeholder pension with a contribution from your employer. How much we pay is based on your age. We pay this regardless of whether you choose to contribute anything. You do not have to contribute, but if you do, we will also match your contributions up to 3% of your pensionable earnings. The contributions are in addition to the age-related contribution mentioned above.



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