Unite in Local Government
SQUEEZE ON COUNCIL WORKERS MUST END
Council workers are the backbone of our communities, but they're struggling to pay their bills after being pushed into poverty and debt due to 16 years of below-inflation pay rises. This year's pay offers are yet another insult.
Local Government Pay Claim 2026/27 (Green Book)
The national employers' 'full and final' pay offer of 3.3% has been rejected outright by Unite's NISC (National Industrial Sector Committee). We will be announcing next steps soon, including targeted strike ballots over the summer. Please check back for regular updates and read the press release here.
Reminder: The joint union pay claim for 2026-27 calls for an increase of at least £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) for all staff, as well as a minimum hourly rate of £15. The employers 3.3% falls well below this and is yet another real terms pay cut.
Made worse by the employers refusal to meaningfully negotiate on all aspects of the claim.
"This is a disappointing offer which falls far short of our pay claim and is yet another real terms pay cut.
Clare Keogh, Unite national officer
Unite, fighting for your JOBS, PAY, CONDITIONS in local government. Join us
Red book: update
Strikes are on at six, targeted councils in June: Barbergh & Midsuffolk, Bristol, Leeds, Newham, Southwark and Stock-on-Trent, after Unite members rejected the 2025 pay offer of 3.2%.
Strike days: 7,18,23 and 24 June! Show your solidarity with striking members by sharing a supportive message on Unite's Facebook
Help us get the message out by following the strike on Unite's social media channels, and sharing our posts. Your support means the world to striking workers.
End poverty pay now
The reality is council workers’ pay has fallen by 25% in real terms on average since 2010. Wages have simply failed to keep pace with inflation in the face of huge central government funding cuts. The cost-of-living crisis has pushed them into poverty and more debt. Most rely heavily on overtime just to make ends meet and some need foodbanks to get by. This is a national disgrace. We say: Make work pay.
Falling value of council workers' pay 2010-2024. See the table here.
Get the facts: 
- Council workers’ pay has fallen by 25% in real terms since 2010.
- Low pay undermines retention, recruitment and staff morale.
- Your living standards have taken a significant hit due to 15 years of pay cuts and squeezes, jobs losses and chronic underfunding. Enough is enough.
- Council workers NEED a higher pay rise now to start restoring their battered wages.