Pros
Opportunity to work on some of the UKs most complex programmes Salary is competitive for sector Lots of interesting work available if you are on the right project Good work life balance and company focus is shifting more to flexible working patterns for both 'white' and 'blue' collar staff You get to work with experts in their field Very good job security on most projects
Cons
A lot of bureaucracy Very political at senior management level Small offices spread across country makes it difficult to move around Silo based working - difficult to work outside your own team Very behind in terms of using up to date software and systems Very risk averse and almost never willing to commit company money (ie no progress if not customer funded) People tend to stay on projects for decades meaning there are very few job openings Strong union presence makes it difficult to have any say on your own pay and performance