Laura Sharman 11 September 2015

Pay freeze causing ‘staffing crisis’ in local government

Local councils are struggling to recruit and retain staff as a result of the government’s pay cap, a new report is warning.

Research from Unison has revealed that 70% of HR directors and managers in local government said they sometimes had problems recruiting people with enough skills and experiences. The majority (88%) also said the pay freeze was making it difficult to recruit and retain staff.

One in four also said they expected to keep fewer staff than previous years despite 31% saying they were ‘unsure’ if they had enough staff.

‘The findings raise some serious questions about the future of our public services in the years ahead, not just in terms of quality of the service and care they are able to provide, but also how safely staff are able to do so,’ said Dave Prentis, Unison’s general secretary.

‘Capping pay and keeping it significantly lower than wages in the private sector hardly makes the NHS and local government the attractive and rewarding career option it used to be. If action isn’t taken soon to tackle the emerging recruitment crisis, our public services will become places where no-one wants to work, and that would be terrible for both patients and local residents alike.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner