Local government morale

A UNISON public sector union survey points to deteriorating morale among local government workers. The survey came as UNISON rejected a 0.5% pay offer from employers.

The survey showed almost 70% of staff saying work pressure had increased in the past year, particularly among social workers, care workers and admin workers, and 44% saying they had experienced some form of violence or abuse. All groups reported working overtime, while job security was the biggest concern.

Heather Wakefield, UNISON head of local government, said: “Heavy workloads and staff shortages are increasing stress and forcing down morale. Tough jobs are made even tougher by violent incidents and abuse. Local government staff are already some of the lowest paid in the public sector. Offering 0.5% is nothing short of a disgrace.”