Laura Sharman 27 July 2021

PM urged to intervene over council pay

PM urged to intervene over council pay image

A trade union has urged the Prime Minister to make funding available to give council workers a 'fair' pay rise.

UNISON has written to Boris Johnson warning the 1.5% pay rise being offered is considerably less than inflation so actually amounts to a pay cut. It wants an increased offer to be funded by central Government.

Trade unions have been calling for local government staff to receive a 10% pay rise, and have rejected the 1.5% pay offer from the national local government employers.

UNISON general secretary, Christina McAnea, said: 'They are not well-paid and 25% has been wiped from the value of their pay since 2010. The majority are low-paid women who have been the backbone of our country throughout the pandemic. So it is indefensible that they should now be offered a real-terms pay cut.

'Local government workers deserve a pay rise and this must be funded from central government as councils’ resources are already tight.'

An MHCLG spokesperson said: 'We’ve allocated over £12bn directly to councils since the start of the pandemic. Over £6bn of this has been unringfenced, recognising that councils are best placed to decide on local issues.

'English councils’ core spending power also increased from £49bn to £51.3bn between 2020 and 2022 in response to the increased pressure.

'Councils decide on the wages for their staff as they are independent employers.'

Local government employers are meeting later today to discuss the pay offer.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner