Local Unison activists are urging Bristol City Council to investigate introducing a ‘Bristol weighting’ payment for all council employees, to reflect the city's high cost of living.
They say a scheme similar to London weighting could ease financial pressure on public-sector workers and encourage other employers to follow suit.
ONS figures cited by the activists show Bristol renters spend 45% of their wages on rent, while average house prices are 10.1 times median earnings.
The union members said some public-service workers are relying on food banks or shared accommodation and called on the council to assess the costs and feasibility of extra payments.
Comment
Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: ‘Bristol City Council is a major employer within our city and became a Living Wage employer in 2018. The council has led and coordinated the Bristol Living Wage City initiative since its launch in December 2019, working with local employers to reduce in-work poverty and pay a wage that more accurately reflects the actual cost of living.
‘Where employees may be experiencing difficulties related to the cost of living and are struggling to pay their bills or buy food, we have ensured advice and support is available to them.’
