A pay increase of 3.3% proposed for 1.5 million council workers in the UK has been criticized as ‘insulting’ by prominent union leaders. Employers representing 350 councils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland stated that the offer would result in an additional £869 million in wages. However, public sector unions argue that it equates to a decrease in real wages due to ongoing cost of living pressures.
The National Employers pay body for local government services, chaired by James Lewis, highlighted that the offer would lead to a substantial raise for the lowest-paid workers, with an increase of £7,282 (39.72%) since April 2021. Despite recognizing the financial strain this offer may impose on council budgets, the National Employers believe it is equitable in light of the broader economic circumstances.
In response, Unison’s head of local government Mike Short expressed disappointment that their proposed fair and reasonable pay increase was not met. Unite national officer Clare Keogh described the offer as disappointing and emphasized that it would result in a pay cut in real terms for local authority workers. GMB national officer Stacey Booth announced plans to discuss future actions with members.
Separately, over 1.4 million NHS staff in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive a 3.3% pay rise from April 1. However, nursing unions criticized the raise as inadequate, labeling it as another pay award below inflation and an affront to staff morale. The increase covers nurses, paramedics, and porters but excludes doctors.
Notably, resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, voted for additional strikes following a 5.4% pay rise offer, continuing a longstanding dispute over pay restoration. Furthermore, a 4.2% pay raise for all police officers up to the rank of chief superintendent in England and Wales took effect in September. The Police Federation is advocating for a minimum 7% pay increase annually for officers, citing a cumulative real terms pay reduction of over 20% in the past 15 years.