Laura Sharman 24 May 2021

Unions rejects 'insulting' council pay offer

Unions rejects insulting council pay offer image

Two trade unions have rejected the 1.5% pay offer from the national local government employers.

UNISON and Unite have rejected the offer, describing the proposed increase as ‘insulting' and 'shameful’.

Trade unions have been calling for a 10% pay increase for council and school support staff, arguing this would address ten years of pay restraint and recognise the key role played by staff during the pandemic.

However, employers have offered 1.5%, warning this would increase the national pay bill by £279m for councils.

Head of local government at UNISON, Jon Richards, said: 'This offer simply isn’t good enough. Council and school staff have done so much this past year. They’re understandably feeling more than taken for granted. It’s insulting.

'Negotiations with the employers are now essential if council and school staff are to get a better deal. More resources from Westminster would help relieve the financial pressure on councils and schools and fund a more substantial increase for staff.'

Unite national officer for local government, Jim Kennedy, added: 'Local government workers are increasingly voting with their feet and leaving the sector, this trickle of resignations will turn into a torrent unless low pay is addressed.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner