Local government workers have been offered a pay increase of 3.30% from 1 April 2026 in what the National Employers for local government services describe as a ‘full and final one-year pay offer’.
Chair of the National Employers, Cllr James Lewis, said that for the lowest paid employees – those earning £24,796 per annum – the offer means a boost since April 2021 of £7,282 or nearly 40%.
‘The National Employers are acutely aware of the additional pressure this offer will place on already hard-pressed council finances as it would need to be paid for from existing budgets,’ he added.
‘However, they believe their offer is fair to employees given the wider economic backdrop.’
Responding to the offer, Stacey Booth, GMB National Officer, said: ‘We had called for pay negotiations this year, so to be given a full and final offer is disappointing. However, we will now meet with national committee members to discuss next steps.’
UNISON head of local government Mike Short added: 'It’s disappointing that the unions’ fair and affordable pay claim hasn't been met. Staff deserve a decent wage rise.
'Senior reps will meet soon to consider next steps.'
