Unions representing 750,000 council and school support staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland today (Friday) criticised the 1.5% pay offer made by the Local Government Association.
GMB, Unite and UNISON submitted a joint pay claim to the local government employers in February for a 10% pay rise. This would be payable from 1 April 2021.
The unions say the joint claim represents a decent wage rise that’s both necessary to put a stop to poverty pay in local government and schools, and recognises the crucial role played by staff during the pandemic.
UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said:
“This is an extremely disappointing offer, more so when you consider the dedication and commitment of council and school support staff over the duration of the pandemic. They have done so much to support the most vulnerable people in our communities and provide vital public services.
“Council and school support staff will feel that their efforts and contributions over the past 15 months haven’t been recognised.
“Unions will now discuss the offer with their national local government committees before formally responding. It’s likely they’ll want the employers to think again and come back and negotiate an offer that better reflects the worth and value of the dedicated school and council workforce.”
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