Local government trade unions have accepted the national employers’ pay offer, which equates to a 10.5% increase for the lowest-paid workers.
Council employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were offered a flat-rate pay rise of £1,925 and a 4% increase to allowances, which will both be backdated to 1 April 2022.
The pay offer also includes a one-day increase to the annual leave of all employees coming into effect on 1 April 2021 and the removal of the bottom pay point on the same date.
Unison, GMB and Unite accepted the pay offer on 1 November after consulting their members over the last two months.
Mike Short, Unison’s national secretary for local government, said: “Unison members voted clearly to accept this pay offer, and it will come as a welcome relief to many of our members – particularly those who are lower-paid – that it has been agreed before the holiday period.
“Our immediate priority now is to get the money into the pay packets of workers as soon as possible, to help deal with the rapidly rising cost of living and move into the next pay round.”
Unite’s members overwhelmingly rejected the final pay offer, with 78% of members voting against. However, the proposals will go forward as both Unison and GMB members accepted them.
Clare Keogh, Unite’s national officer, said: “Unite is completely committed to fighting for fair pay for local authority workers. That campaign will now focus on local disputes, if our members are prepared to take forward a local campaign, Unite will back them all the way.
“The cost-of-living crisis means that workers are struggling to even provide the basics for their families. If workers are prepared to fight, Unite will have their backs.”
Rachel Harrison, GMB’s national secretary, said: “GMB members accepted the local government pay offer with a 67% majority. Unison members also voted to accept the offer. The vote has therefore carried.
“Local employers have been contacted and advised to implement the pay offer. GMB will now start consulting members for next year’s pay claim.”
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