Lay Employment

As valued members of the team we need to make sure that all our employees are supported and treated fairly. We must also fulfil all of our legal responsibilities within employment law.

The Lay Employment Resource on the Connexional website ( https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/employees-and-volunteers/lay-employment-resource ) will tell you everything you need to know but if you are considering a new appointment or needing help with a current appointment then get in touch so that you can be pointed in the right direction.

There is sometimes confusion about whether the church cleaner, caretaker or gardener is an employee or self-employed. If you are in doubt about this then please get in touch as we need to check the details and update any paperwork.

All circuit posts need to be approved by the District before advertising starts. District will also help check church paperwork. Do get in touch at an early stage. Also you may have questions about pay rates, setting up a payroll and providing a pension scheme. The minimum amount we can pay our employees as determined by Methodist Conference is the Living Wage as set by the Living Wage Foundation. This is currently £12.00 per hour and should have been implemented no later than April 2024.

Remember that as connected charities all individual churches or circuits employing staff will need to pay the Apprenticeship Levy and we do not benefit from the HMRC Employment Allowance.

For help or information contact Alison Godfrey, District Lay Employment Secretary