‘Full and final’ pay offer made to 1.5 million council workers

Employers have made a “full and final” pay offer to around 1.5 million council workers of at least £1,290.

The deal equates to a rise of 5.77% for the lowest paid from April 1 this year, unions were told.

Tim Roca, who chairs the local government employers, said: “For the lowest paid (currently earning £22,366 per annum), the offer means their pay will have increased by £5,323 (almost 30%) over the three years since April 2021.

“For those on all pay points above the top of the pay spine, an offer of 2.50% has been made.

“The national employers are acutely aware of the additional pressure this year’s offer will place on already hard-pressed council finances, as it would need to be paid for from existing budgets.

“However, they believe their offer is fair to employees, given the wider economic backdrop.”

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said the deal looked “disappointing”, adding: “The Local Government Association rejected our claims for a shorter working week, additional days’ leave and a commitment to work towards a minimum of £15 an hour.

“However, GMB will now speak to our local government and schools committees to decide our position on the offer and will then ballot all members.”

Unison’s head of local government, Mike Short, said: “Council and school staff deserve a decent pay rise for the vital support they provide to communities, but this offer falls short of the union’s reasonable claim.

“Many workers will feel let down because their household bills continue to rise.

“Unison will consult representatives over the coming days before deciding the next steps.”

The employers negotiate pay on behalf of 350 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that employ around 1.5 million employees.

Clare Keogh, Unite officer for local government, said: “It is disappointing that once again this pay offer has been made without prior negotiation with Unite and sister unions, and without meaningful collective bargaining.

“Unite will be taking this offer to our members later this month but a below inflation pay rise for many of our members is not one that inspires optimism nor reflects the hard work and dedicated service of our members in local government.”