Local
government pay talks were adjourned this week after trade unions rejected
proposals that would have added £400m to local authorities’ wage bill.
The Employers Organisation for
Local Government this week offered trade unions three different pay settlements,
which were all rejected.
Unison, the T&G and the GMB
unions turned down offers of 3 per cent, 3.5 per cent and a final proposal of a
4.6 per cent increase that would have added £400m to the local government’s
wage bill. This compares to the £850m that the unions original £1,000 flat rate
claim pay claim would have added to the bill, claims the EOfLG.
The EOfLG said that they were
very disappointed by the results of this week’s pay talks and claimed that the
unions’ were not living up to economic
reality.
In a statement the EOfLG said,
"One person’s unaffordable wage rise is another person’s P45."
Malcolm Wing, Unison head of
local government, said, "The situation is serious. Industrial action is
now a step closer. Local government workers are at the forefront of the
Government’s modernisation agenda and are already delivering more for less.
"Ministers claim they are
investing in public services. They now need to invest in those delivering them.
Next week’s negotiations must result in a significantly improved offer."
Talks will continue on 30
March, after the EOLG consults with it members.
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