Mark Whitehead 07 November 2019

Delays to pay claim talks branded a 'disappointment by union

The biggest local government union has branded a delay to talks over their 10% pay claim 'a huge disappointment'.

Unison head of local government Jon Richards questioned why negotiations for a pay package for 1.4 million local authority workers could not start immediately.

This week, the employers' side of the pay body announced it would not respond to the unions' claim until the New Year because of the forthcoming general election.

In a letter to union negotiators the National Employers for Local Government Services said they would 'not be in a position to respond to your claim until the impact of the outcome of the general election is known, which they do not expect until the New Year.'

Three unions, Unison, Unite and the GMB last summer presented the claim which is aimed at being settled by April when the current two-year deal expires.

Yesterday, GMB national secretary Rehana Azam questioned the good faith of the employers' side, saying the negotiations could start despite the election due on December 12.

Today Mr Richards said: 'It is a huge disappointment to be informed by the LGA that it will not respond until the impact of the general election is known.

'We can’t see why the employers won’t at least start the negotiation process now, as discussions will go beyond the election date.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner