Salary scales and allowances

NJC salary scales


NJC pay scales 2009/10
These have not been published yet (April 2009) and are unlikely to be for some time.

On 14 January the Trade Union Side of the NJC has formally tabled a pay claim for 2009/10 for "...an increase of at least the level of retail price inflation, with additional salary increases for the lowest paid". The Employers responded saying "the employers are prepared to make an offer of 0.50% on all points in the national pay spine. In the light of the increasingly uncertain economic climate, and in an effort to secure a relatively quick settlement, the employers have decided that this offer should be time-limited. Accordingly, if a negotiated settlement has not been reached by 1 June 2009, the offer will be withdrawn and there would be no increase this year. The employers would not implement the offer unilaterally in the absence of an agreement." The Unions rejected the offer and agreemnt was not made. Despite the passing of the deadline, it does appear that negotiations are still continuing but it is not clear whether there will be an increase this year and if so when this will be announced.


NJC pay scales 2008/09
An interim award was made in November 08 (backdated till April 08), whilst the award went to arbitration. The arbitration panel has now given an additional award of 0.3%. The new figures represent a 2.75% increase on the 2007 figures, with an extra £100 for the lowest paid (SCP 4-6), and not an increase of 0.3% on the previously published April 08 figures.

NJC scales for 2008/09 after arbitration decision (Word, 92 KB).


NJC scales and particular roles
NAVCA does not produce guidance on aligning salaries to particular points on the scale. Several factors can determine the appropriate scale. These include:

  • other salaries paid within the organisation

  • the local market - what similar posts are paid in other groups in the area
  • the particular role - jobs with similar titles can have significantly different roles and responsibilities

London VSC's Personnel, Employment Advice and Conciliation Service (PEACe) has produced a CD Rom job evaluation toolkit. This:

  • helps voluntary sector organisations set realistic pay levels for their staff
  • is especially useful for deciding what salary amounts should be included in funding bids
  • can provide second-tier and umbrella groups with a very useful tool that will enable them to support groups with job evaluation.

It costs £99 (incl. VAT), although it is available at £64.35 (incl. VAT) for NAVCA members. For more information contact: PEACe, tel 020 7700 8147, email peace@lvsc.org.uk

NJC scales above point 49
Official NJC scales only go up to point 49. London councils negotiate scales above that but these are advisory not official. The figures for 2007/08 can be downloaded from the London Voluntary Services Council website. Alternatively you could contact your local council and align your organisation to their practice above point 49.

Mileage rates


HM Revenue and Customs mileage rates 2008/09 (Word, 55 KB)
The rates payable under the approved mileage allowance payment are unchanged from 2003/04. If these rates are used for volunteer drivers the HMRC guidance for volunteer drivers or Volunteering England's guidance notes on volunteer drivers and volunteer travel expenses may be useful.

Local authority mileage rates 2008/09 (Word, 67 KB)
Local Government Employers has published the mileage rates and car allowances from 1 April 2007. This document has been updated to take into account changes to the rate of VAT which took effect on 1 December 2008.

HMRC produce guidance on tax relief for business mileage and fuel. This is aimed at paid employees who use their car for business use.

Susbsistence, meals and accommodation
NJC no longer publish subsistence rates. These rates allowed an amount to be claimed regardless of the amount spent. It is now regarded as good practice to only repay against actual expenditure. However maximum levels may be set. Organisations may wish to link in with the maximum levels used by their local authority. Alternatively NAVCA's maximum rates are published below.

NAVCA's rates for meals and accommodation
Bed and Breakfast £61.29
Bed and Breakfast London £82.40
Breakfast taken separately £6.90
Lunch £7.40
Evening meal £17.10
Hospitality allowance £12.57

Please note these were last amended in October 2008.

NAVCA's rates should be seen in combination with NAVCA's subsistence and travel claim policy. This includes information on when rates can be exceeded.