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

The problem with housing: Viability

By Heather Jameson | 17 July 2026

Uncertainty, viability and devolution: local authorities face a collection of hurdles and opportunities when it comes to delivering much-needed housing. The ...

PAY

LGA warns councils 'sidelined' by social care Fair Pay Agreement

By Martin Ford | 16 July 2026

Councils are to be ‘sidelined’ by a negotiating body representing care workers, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

PAY

Will Burnham be the hero in history?

By Michael Burton | 16 July 2026

Andy Burnham has the chance to offer hope and opportunity to a sullen population disillusioned with politicians and fed up with decline. He might want to see...

PAY

Employers defend pay stance

By Dan Peters | 14 July 2026

Employers have denied they are playing parts of the sector off against each other by offering different pay settlements to different groups of council staff.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman