More councils are reaching the end of fraught negotiations over their single-status agreement of equal pay. Hartlepool Council's cabinet this week agreed on a new pay and grading structure that will affect 2,500 council workers, rising to 3,500, if the area's schools decide in favour of the agreement in July. Around 57% of employees will receive an increase in their basic pay, around 32% will see no change, and less than 11% will see a decrease in their basic pay, but will be subject to protection arrangements. The agreement will bolster the spirits of other local authorities whose agreements are being help up because of a lack of time, money or the work of no-win, no-fee lawyers. Local Government Employers have calculated that the cost of pay reviews is currently estimated at £2.8bn, with total backpay at £1bn, ongoing costs at £1.5bn, and protection at £400m. Hartlepool Council's chief executive, Paul Walker, said: ‘Our success is a result of ongoing, and close, teamworking involving both senior management and elected members. This has been vital. The agreement was concluded a year behind schedule but we explained to employees that we were happy for it to take a bit longer if it meant getting the best-possible end result.'
