Laura Sharman 15 June 2017

Unions call for 5% pay increase for council staff

Local government workers should be given a 5% pay rise following eight years of government-imposed pay restraint, trade unions have argued.

Unison, Unite and GMB have put in a pay claim for the 5% increase, and have also called for the lowest paid staff to receive the real living wage of £8.45 an hour (£9.75 in London).

The unions argue that wages for council staff have fallen ‘way behind’ inflation.

Head of local government at Unison, Heather Wakefield, said: ‘New recruits and experienced staff are essential for the smooth running of services. Yet poverty pay means local authorities are struggling to attract and hold on to staff, and those left are doing more for less.’

However, employers warned that the increase would result in further job losses across local government.

Chair of the National Employers, Cllr Sian Timoney, said: 'We recognise that public sector workers have had lower than average pay awards for a few years now, but local government continues to face significant financial challenges so we are surprised that the unions are seeking such an ambitious pay award.

'Local government has lost more than half a million jobs in recent years and meeting this claim would result in many more such job losses.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

KS2 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
KS2 Class Teacher   M1 – M6     £31,650 - £43,607 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2026  The head Bowburn
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 - £43,693
The Role We are seeking Deputy Managers who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 pro rata
Are you a child and family social worker with 5 years of post-qualifying experience looking for the next step of your career?   What is Involved? As a Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
Class Teacher M1-M6  £31,650 - £43,607 Full time, whole time Temporary – required from 2nd September 2025 until August 2026 The governors of Escomb P Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,968 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner