Title

PAY

Research shows drop in council pay over past decade

Frontline staff in local government have had their pay fall by around £1,500 in real terms over the past decade, new research has revealed.

Frontline staff in local government have had their pay fall by around £1,500 in real terms over the past decade, new research has revealed today.

Analysis by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that since 2010 pay for a care worker in local government is down £1,490 while a refuse collector has had their pay drop by £1,519 in real terms.

The research also found one in five key workers are considering leaving their job due to a 'toxic mix' of low pay, excessive workloads and lack of recognition.

Of those thinking about quitting, 57% said it was because they felt undervalued while 43% said it was because the pay was too low.

For those working in health and social care, 40% said they were considering leaving their job because of the strain of excessive work.

The TUC called on the Government to give council workers a 'decent' pay rise, ensure all outsourced workers are paid the real Living Wage and raise the national minimum wage to £10 per hour.

PAY

LGR pause and review: what councils need to know

By Christopher Kerr | 18 September 2026

Christopher Kerr looks at the immediate issues and future concerns councils need to address following the pause in local government reorganisation.

PAY

Madchesterism: Putting music at the heart of devolution

By Tom Kiehl | 17 September 2026

New research makes clear the next phase of devolution is an opportunity to treat music as part of the economic, social and physical part of local communities...

PAY

Using data to plan the future of adult social care

By Pete Sidgwick | 17 September 2026

Hilary Hall and Pete Sidgwick look at how shared intelligence can help councils anticipate demand, workforce pressures and market risks.

PAY

MJ Regeneration: A Budget to build from

By David Blackman | 17 September 2026

Chancellor John Healey’s commitment to regional economic growth predates the Burnham Government by about 30 years, says David Blackman. His Budget will need ...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman

-->