William Eichler 07 March 2023

Local government pay offer amounts to 10% cut, union says

Local government pay offer amounts to 10% cut, union says  image
Image: Ms Jane Campbell / Shutterstock.com.

Unite has decided to recommend rejection of the local government pay offer arguing it amounts to a real terms pay cut of 10%.

Last month’s offer equated to an increase of 9.42% this year for the lowest paid (those earning £20,441 per annum). For those on all pay points above the top of the pay spine, an offer of 3.88% was on the table.

However, Unite’s national committee has decided to recommend rejecting the offer and warns employers of ‘growing anger’ among workers.

The union argues that with the real inflation rate (RPI) currently standing at 13.4%, the offer amounts to a real terms pay cut of nearly 10% for some members.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Local government workers provide vital frontline services. They are now absolutely determined to fight for a pay increase that will not see their pay eroded by inflation for yet another year.

‘Local government employers need to enter into full pay negotiations and make a decent pay offer if industrial action is to be avoided.’

Unite acting national officer Clare Keogh said: ‘Local government employers need to recognise that there is growing anger among local government workers about the way they are treated year after year in pay negotiations. If the employers want to avoid industrial action they need to make a much improved offer. It is as simple as that.’

UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: 'These unsung workers deserve to be properly rewarded. But this offer falls short of what’s needed when the value of their pay has been chipped away for years and bills are soaring.

'Preparations are now underway to ballot council and school employees to see if they’re prepared to strike to achieve a better deal.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner