Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

Unions reject 'disappointing' 2% council pay offer

Trade unions have rejected a 2% pay increase for council staff and called on employers to ‘come up with a better offer’.

Trade unions have rejected a 2% pay increase for council staff and called on employers to ‘come up with a better offer'.

Unison, GMB and Unite have called for a 10% pay increase so all council staff would earn at least £10 an hour.

Unite national officer, Ian Woodland, said: ‘The local government pay offer is deeply disappointing - it does not begin to address the aspirations of our members.

‘Following a decade of austerity, during which their pay in real terms has been slashed, local government members will not accept an offer which makes them poorer in real terms.

‘Local government unions are now seeking a fresh meeting to allow employers to table a dramatically improved offer.'

The unions called on chancellor Sajid Javid to use next month's Budget to fund the pay rise.

Head of local government at Unison, Jon Richards, said: ‘The chancellor must give councils the cash in the Budget to fund a proper pay rise. Otherwise experienced staff will be lost as they seek better paid work elsewhere and there'll be barely anyone left to deliver local services.'

HUMAN RESOURCES

Transforming public services in Liverpool City Region

By Kirsty McLean | 24 October 2025

Kirsty McLean reveals how the Liverpool-based Office for Public Service Innovation – working with the Cabinet Office’s Test, Learn and Grow programme – is la...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Test, Learn and Grow: Sheffield's family hubs

By Cllr Tom Hunt | 24 October 2025

Cllr Tom Hunt says Sheffield is aiming to build on the success of its Test, Learn and Grow pilot by launching a bold new Total Place approach that brings tog...

HUMAN RESOURCES

EXCLUSIVE: Fair funding fightback

By Martin Ford | 23 October 2025

An alliance of urban authorities is pressing the Government to change tack on the fair funding review.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Riding the investment wave

By Joe Fyans | 22 October 2025

Joe Fyans explores how councils can seize investment opportunities and manage risks as they tap into private finance – navigating a fast-evolving landscape s...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman