Martin Ford 29 January 2026

£2.8bn wages hike looms amid unions pay demands

Local government’s wage bill would have to surge by £2.8bn to meet the demands laid down in unions’ pay claim for 2026-27, it has been estimated.

The figure represents an increase of almost 11% on current levels were the demands of Unison, GMB and Unite met in full, according to national employers' figures seen by The MJ.

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#Pay #Jobs #HR #Recruitment #Unions #retention

Analysis

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

The new LocalGov and Multiverse report explores how workforce upskilling is driving smarter, more efficient, and inclusive local government transformation.

Opinion

Why Reform UK is misguided, mistaken and just plain wrong on pensions

Reform UK’s plan to close the LGPS to new entrants would deepen recruitment crises and push low-paid workers towards poverty, argues UNISON’s Glyn Jenkins.

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Service Director - Finance

£95,212 to £102,389

We need a talented and experienced Service Director of Finance to join us and play a pivotal role Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151)

£120,536 to £129,500

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151) Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Service Director - Education

£95,212 to £102,389

This is a great time to join our Children’s Services senior leadership team as a Service Director for Education where you’ll provide system leadership Isle of Wight

Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Class Teacher (Primary)

£32,916- £51,048

Primary School Class Teacher M1-UPS3 (£32,916 - £52,149) Permanent, Full-time Contract to begin in September 2026. The Governors of this happy and Durham

Recuriter: Durham County Council