Local government

The UNISON, GMB and UNITE unions submitted their 2009 pay claim for local authority staff last month, even though arbitration over the 2008 settlement is still not completed.

Their call for a one-year across-the-board increase of at least the level of retail price inflation — with more for the lower paid — came shortly before the announcement of December’s RPI increase of 0.9%. However, stripping out mortgage interest payments, RPIX remained at 2.8%, while the CPI was 3.1%.

Employers will not formally respond until arbitration (and regional pay briefings) are concluded.

Their 2008 offer of 2.45% (plus £100 for the lowest paid) was implemented on what UNISON says is an “interim” basis in October. Members in Scotland accepted a two-year deal. This gives 3% in 2008 and 2.5% in 2009.