I thought dinosaurs were extinct – but how wrong I was, as Unison marched its depleted army into yet another battle it can't, and must not be allowed to win. Residents and businesses alike have a right to get top-quality services provided at immensely-keen prices, and that includes driving down overall staffing costs. Local government managers and staff are reasonably well paid in most cases. The annual leave is excellent, and the final salary pension fund has yet to be closed. In fact, to the amazement of most, you now only have to work 30 years to get a full pension, rather than 40. Overall, conditions compare very favourably with other organisations. Top authorities are 100% behind getting the best staff and the most motivated staff they can, but this must not be by losing control of employee costs, which make up a substantial part of an authority's cost base. The economic downturn is starting to hurt, and unemployment is already increasing. When this happens, local government should take advantage of those displaced in the private sector. The unions will, rightly, want to protect job numbers, but also have to understand that the salary budget is capped. Higher salaries will simply mean fewer jobs. There is no magic wand solution. I have a challenge for Unison: Accept the offer on the table for the greater good of the country, and let's get on with delivering excellent services to our residents. Richard Ennis is director of finance at Ealing LBC
