A union has recommended that members reject employers' pay offer to council staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Unite - one of three unions that negotiate pay on behalf of local authority workers - said it would hold consultative votes on the proposed 3.2% pay rise and were urging members to reject the offer.
It warned that industrial action could follow this summer, should members follow its advice, though any walkouts would have to be ratified through formal strike ballots.
The national employers for local government services tabled the offer earlier this month, describing it as their "full and final" proposal for pay for the 2025-26 financial year and saying it would add pressure to already stretched council budgets.
The proposal is above the rate of inflation in the 12 months to March 2025 – 2.6% – according to the government’s preferred consumer prices index (CPI) measure.
However, not only is fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility projecting that CPI will rise to 3.2% later this year, but the proposed pay rise is below the broader CPIH measure of inflation, which also includes owner occupiers’ housing costs. This was 3.4% in the 12 months to March 2025.
Criticism of offer and lack of negotiation
In response to the proposal, Unite criticised both its level and a lack of negotiation with unions on the part of employers before tabling it.“This is a very disappointing pay offer for our members, which is why our local government representatives have rightfully and unanimously recommended rejection," said national officer for local authorities Clare Keough.
“For the fourth year in a row, the national employers have also disgracefully failed to negotiate with Unite, attempting to force through these pitiful pay rises. Any industrial action will be of their own making. We are calling on council leaders to come to the negotiating table and offer fair pay.”
Fellow union the GMB has said it is meeting with members to discuss next steps, while the largest union, UNISON, is due to discuss its response next week.
UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: "With household bills still rising, council and school staff need a decent pay award after years of below-inflation deals and deep cuts to local government services.
"It’s vital central government also plays its part through sustained investment in local authorities. UNISON will meet to discuss the offer next week before deciding next steps.”
