Unions call for a ‘substantial​’ pay rise for ​council workers

Three local government unions ​have submitted a pay claim ​for 2021/22, which they say begin​s to redress a decade of cuts and recognise​s the key role ​played in the pandemic ​by school and council staff.

The unions argue that staff working in local government have seen up to 25 per cent wiped from the value of their pay, following ten years of savage local authority cuts and pay restraint.

UNISON, GMB and Unite​, which collectively represent 1.4 million council and school employees, want to see a ‘substantial’ pay increase from this April with a wage rise of at least 10 per cent for all council ​and school support employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Under the claim, the ​pay of the lowest paid workers ​would go above £10 per hour – ​lifting them above the ​real ​living ​wage of £9.50 per hour (outside London).

Jon Richards, UNISON head of local government, said: “Local government workers have kept the country going during the Covid crisis. Many face daily risks to do their vital work and keep communities safe. But slipping wages and job insecurity have hit morale. Paying staff properly and investing in the workforce would recognise those at the sharp end who’ve given everything. It ​will benefit local economies and give workers a boost as they keep delivering important services into the future.”

Jim Kennedy, Unite national officer for local government, added: “We are sick of the employers’ crocodile tears, refusing to recognise the contribution our members make in caring for the elderly and vulnerable. They are on the frontline, endangering their lives every day, but the response has been pay freezes, cuts to services and jobs. Ministers pledged to support local government, but words are cheap. The employers should show courage and demand the proper level of funding that is desperately needed, including a fair pay increase.”

GMB national secretary Rehana Azam said: “Our members put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. They stepped up during a public health crisis, now employers and ministers must step up and address the pay crisis in local government and schools. Low-paid support staff kept schools open, often covering for teachers without increases in wages. This pandemic has shown the best of our public service workers. Their dedication must be recognised through a substantial settlement that begins to deliver pay justice.”