Title

PAY

Unite rejects local government pay offer

Unite has rejected the flat rate pay rise offered to all council staff this week.

Unite has rejected the flat rate pay rise offered to all council staff this week.

Employers have put forward a flat rate pay rise of £1,925, saying this would give the lowest paid workers a double digit pay increase.

However, Unite has rejected the offer arguing it represents a cut in real terms.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: 'Most local government workers are being offered yet another pay cut masquerading as a pay increase.

'Council workers have seen their rates of pay massively eroded for over a decade through pay freezes and below inflation increases. Highly skilled and experienced workers are leaving the sector in droves as they are undervalued and struggling to make ends meet.

'Council leaders need to stop ducking the issue and make an offer that both meets members' expectations and which starts to tackle the decade plus decline in council workers' pay.'

The union warned it would consider all options in how to escalate the dispute if an improved offer is not made.

Thousands of Scottish council workers have voted to strike in a dispute over pay this week.

PAY

As London's rough sleepers drop by 10% – can Burnham make that figure national?

By By Dan Peters | 13 August 2026

In his first speech after taking office, standing on the steps of Downing Street, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping.

PAY

LGA stabilises but still faces major challenges

By Heather Jameson | 12 August 2026

As devolution and local government reorganisation reshape the sector, the LGA has improved its finances and leadership, says Heather Jameson —but must now pr...

PAY

Untangling the wires to progress

By Martin Ford | 12 August 2026

The Government has finally unveiled it proposals to ‘rewire the state’ and devolve powers to regional and local levels. Martin Ford delves into the document.

PAY

The workplace challenge: Preventing AI conflict before it starts

By Phil Floyd | 07 August 2026

As generative AI becomes a growing factor in employment disputes, Phil Floyd argues that the best way to prevent workplace conflicts is to foster a ‘clear ai...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman