Acas rules on local government pay

Arbitration service Acas has awarded local government workers an additional 0.3% on top of the 2.45% already offered by the LGA employers’ body for local government. This brings the total award to 2.75% with an additional £100 for the lowest paid workers. The award is backdated to 1 April 2008.

Unions Unite, GMB and Unison welcomed the decision, which followed a long dispute, including strike action, last year. Acas stated that the award is “justified and affordable in the context of the claim,” despite LGA assertions that it would cause job losses, after taking evidence from councils and unions. Acas also recognised that local government workers are among the lowest paid in the public sector. “We were pleased with the results,” said a UNISON spokesperson.

The unions are now awaiting a reply to the pay claim for 2009, submitted in January. The LGA had ruled out discussions on this until Acas had given its decision, and is not expected to respond until April, meaning the pay claim will again be running late.

“We are looking to make sure we can agree and get a pay rise as soon as possible and are hoping to resolve it quicker this year,” UNISON said.