Laura Sharman 14 October 2021

Research shows drop in council pay over past decade

Research shows drop in council pay over past decade image

Frontline staff in local government have seen their pay fall by around £1,500 in real terms over the past decade, new research has revealed today.

Analysis by the TUC found that since 2010, pay for a care worker in local government is down £1,490, while a refuse collector has seen their pay drop by £1,519 in real terms.

Research by TUC also found one in five key workers are considering leaving their job due to a 'toxic mix' of low pay, excessive workloads and a lack of recognition.

Of those thinking about quitting, 57% said it was because they feel undervalued, while 43% said it is because the pay is too low.

For those working in health and social care, 40% said they are considering leaving their job because of the strain of excessive work.

TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, said: 'Everyone deserves fair pay and dignity at work. But too many key workers in the public sector are at breaking point because of a toxic mix of low pay, excessive workloads and a serious lack of recognition.

'These are the nurses, care workers, and teachers that helped keep the country going through the pandemic.

'After years of our key workers being underpaid and our public services underfunded, this pandemic has to be a turning point.'

The TUC is calling on the Government to give all public service workers a 'decent' pay rise, ensure all outsourced workers are paid the real Living Wage, and raise the national minimum wage to £10 per hour.

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
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

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner