Trade unions
National Care Service denounced as ‘power grab'
The National Care Service Bill unveiled by the Scottish Government has been denounced as a ‘power grab’.
COVID funding cut ‘dangerous’
The Government has been urged to reinstate the COVID infection control fund (ICF) by groups representing care providers and staff.
Union suspends councillors over pay dispute
Suspensions including that of the council leader were announced by Unite during a rally for striking bin lorry drivers.
Council staff need support through the cost of living crisis
In the context of the cost of living crisis, the workers who supported communities through the toughest days of COVID need support too, says Unison head of local government Mike Short.
Dromey’s legacy in council history
The recent untimely death of Jack Dromey reminds Michael Burton of the former union leader’s key role in abolishing compulsory competitive tendering and creating Best Value for council services.
Recalling Jack Dromey’s instrumental role in the birth of Best Value
Michael Burton recalls Jack Dromey’s longstanding achievement creating Best Value as Labour Party policy to replace the compulsory competitive tendering of council services introduced by the Conservatives.
Birmingham could face new equal pay claims
Birmingham City Council is facing an equal pay ‘crisis,’ a trade union has warned.
Local government will need £68bn to become net-zero, report finds
Local government will need an up-front investment of £68bn from Government in order to become net-zero by 2035, according to a new report.
Research shows drop in council pay over past decade
Frontline staff in local government have had their pay fall by around £1,500 in real terms over the past decade, new research has revealed.
Hopes dashed over end to Brighton bin strike
Strike action by refuse workers in Brighton will continue after union representatives walked out of negotiations with the council.
More unions announce strike ballots
Two more trade unions have moved a step closer to industrial action after members rejected the latest pay offer.
Unison warns of strike action over pay
Trade union Unison has warned of future strike action unless local government employers improve their pay offer.
Scottish union to hold nationwide strike ballot
Councils in Scotland have been put on notice as Unison ballots members over industrial action.
Three unions head to pay ballots
Unions have recommended members reject the pay offer tabled to local government workers.
The local government workforce: equal by default
The APSE Commission message is clear: we need a well-trained, properly rewarded workforce to meet local public services’ future challenges, says Heather Wakefield.
Strike action at Ealing ends
There will be no return to the picket lines after an agreement has been reached between the Unite trade union and outsourcer Serco.
Union concerns over homeworking
A council’s plans to close offices and increase homeworking for staff have come under fire from a trade union.
Unions urge pinged staff to isolate
Unions have urged waste and recycling staff to stay at home if ‘pinged’ by the COVID-19 app despite several councils having to reduce or suspend services.
Chiefs receive lower pay offer
Council employers have offered an improved 'final' pay offer to staff but have offered council chief executives and chief officers a lower increase.
Self-isolation payments 'failing' workers
Two out of three people applying for self-isolation payments are being rejected, according to new research.
