Council workers get interim pay rise

(17/10/08) Local government workers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are set to get an interim pay rise to tide them over Christmas.UNISON today confirmed that the employers have agreed to the union's request for a 2.45% pay rise for staff, with an extra £100 for the lowest paid, backdated to April.The increase is an interim measure – final settlement of this year's pay award is awaiting the results of arbitration.UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield welcomed the employers' decision to pay the uplift backdated to April."With Christmas just around the corner, 2.45% will bring some comfort to local government workers struggling to cope with the rising cost of everyday essentials," she said.She added: "UNISON believes we have a strong case for a fairer deal for local government staff, which we are taking to ACAS for arbitration, and we are hopeful for an early decision."Members should receive the pay rise and back pay in their November pay packets.Trade unions will meet with the employers again on 23 October to discuss the terms of reference for arbitration.

More details in Pay news bulletin 21 (PDF)