Union leaders have welcomed a decision by local government employers to agree the early introduction of a 2.45% pay award – but warned they are still looking for more money. No final agreement has been reached on the pay offer, which has been referred to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, but Heather Wakefield, Unison's head of local government, acknowledged: ‘With Christmas just around the corner, 2.45% will bring some comfort to workers struggling to cope with the rising cost of everyday essentials.' Her comments were supported by the actions of Cambridgeshire CC, which has criticised delays in reaching a settlement and decided to press ahead with the pay increase, backdated to April, ahead of the employer's announcement. Chief executive, Mark Lloyd, said: ‘The county council is the largest employer in Cambridgeshire and we recognise that the current economic climate is creating hardships and pressures on our employees, and we have decided to implement this interim pay award immediately, to help ease the financial pressures on our staff and their families. ‘The prolonged and ongoing pay negotiation delays do not meet what we consider to be the county council's responsibilities as a good employer and consequently, we have taken the decision to make this interim pay award in the best interests of our workforce.' Unions are due to meet employers at ACAS today (Thursday) to agree terms of reference for arbitration, and will be arguing for a 6% or £500, which ever is the higher, pay claim. Unison, GMB and Unite are hoping the pay deal can be finalised before the end of the year and Ms Wakefield insisted: ‘We have a strong case for a fairer deal for local government and we are hopeful for an early decision.' Local government craft workers – carpenters, electricians and plumbers – accepted a 2.45% award on 13 October.
