Youth workers, care workers, refuse collectors, social workers, teaching assistants, community workers, street cleaners and so many more go above and beyond every single day. Local government staff keep communities safe, clean and accessible throughout the year, yet receive little recognition for the work you do. With the cost of living skyrocketing to new highs every day, it’s no longer enough to state you deserve decent pay for the work you do – you need it.
In June, the trade unions submitted a pay claim demanding a substantial increase of either £2,000 or RPI (whichever is greater) on all spinal column points, from 1 April 2022. The employer’s side have responded with a pay offer for 2022/23 for an increase of £1,925 on all NJC pay points, with effect from 1 April 2022. This amount would be added to every point on the pay scale as a fully consolidated pay increase.
This pay offer is much higher than members have seen in recent years and is the highest flat-rate offer made to the public sector this year. It would give members at the bottom end of the pay scale a 10.5% increase in pay – and more than three-quarters of employees would get a 6% pay rise or more.The offer is also very close to the £2,000 which UNISON branches and the NJC committee agreed should be a key part of the pay claim.
Having said that, our claim was for £2,000 or RPI inflation, whichever is the higher. RPI inflation is currently 11.8%, so this offer doesn’t meet either of those aims, and it doesn’t deliver a pay increase that keeps up with the rising cost of living. By not keeping up with these costs, wages are worth less than before – effectively a pay cut – and that discrepancy between pay and inflation only increases for those higher up the pay spine.
Discussions with the employers have reached an end, making this the best offer that can be achieved by negotiations. So, UNISON is putting it to you, our members. We are consulting you on whether you wish to accept or reject this pay offer.
The UNISON NJC Committee is not making a recommendation that members should vote ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ – it’s totally your choice. It is vital that you make your voice heard on this matter so that we have a full picture of every member’s view.
The consultation is running until midday today (September 20). You will receive an email from your branch after 19 August with a link to vote online so keep an eye on your emails and make sure to have your say!
You should be aware that if there is a majority vote to reject the offer, the next step would be an industrial action ballot to attempt to force the employers to make an improved offer so think carefully about what you feel would be the best option for you – you can’t assume others will speak on your behalf, so add your voice to the conversation so your pay isn’t decided for you!
