William Eichler 10 July 2025

Job loses loom as Birmingham bin dispute talks collapse

Job loses loom as Birmingham bin dispute talks collapse  image
© Richard OD / Shutterstock.com.

Attempts to resolve the long-running waste service dispute between Birmingham City Council and Unite have collapsed with job loses the likely result.

Council leader John Cotton said the local authority had ‘reached the absolute limit of what we can offer.’

He said the council had negotiated in good faith and would now ‘press ahead to both address our equal pay risk and make much needed improvements to the waste service.’

The plan means some waste service staff jobs will likely be axed.

Cllr Cotton added: ‘Voluntary redundancy remains on the table, as do opportunities for training and redeployment across the council.’

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the council had resorted to a ‘fire and rehire’ strategy, adding that it was now likely that the strikes ‘will continue into Christmas and beyond.’

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

Chief Executive

Westmorland and Furness Council
£188,227
Join us on our journey Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director, Local Government Reform and Devolution

Essex County Council
Up to £150,612pa
Shape the Future of Essex Chelmsford, Essex/Remots
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lead Approved Mental Health Professional - WMF2213e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£56,883 - £59,198
Are you a passionate, experienced Approved Mental Health Professional Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner