Local Government Pay 2023 – Union Side Claim

Council and school staff deserve a pay rise.

Care workers, refuse collectors, social workers, teaching assistants, community workers, street cleaners and so many more go above and beyond every single day. Local government staff keep communities safe, clean and accessible, yet there is often little or no recognition for your hard work.

With the cost-of-living skyrocketing to new highs every day, it’s time to rise up and demand decent pay for the work you do.

Over the past 12 years, council and school staff have lost on average 25% from the value of their pay when measured against the Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation since 2010. The latest Foundation Living Wage rates mean that Local Government is now competing in a labour market where many comparable employers are paying more to entry level or low paid staff – with the bottom three NJC pay points now falling below the £9.90 UK Foundation Living Wage rate

2023 NJC pay claim

Note – NJC pay covers council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Despite the £1,925 pay award last year inflation remains high, and council and school staff continue to teeter towards breaking point. They need more in their pay packet to pay for food, for housing, for fuel.

We are asking for a pay increase of inflation + 2%. The Treasury’s annual forecast for inflation for 2023 is currently 10.7%, therefore the increase we are asking for would amount to 12.7%.

We believe this will provide council and school staff with the pay they need to keep working in vital public services without having to go from the frontline to the breadline.

You can read the full pay claim here.