Council staff face third year of pay freezes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Local authorities are facing the threat of industrial action after announcing that 1.6 million council workers are to have their pay frozen for the third year in a row.
Unions reacted furiously after being told by the Local Government Association that more jobs and services would be cut if they ended a two-year pay freeze for workers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in April.
Officials branded the decision a "disgrace" and warned of industrial action if the issue is not taken to a tribunal. Council employers blamed the "unprecedented" move on rising costs and shrinking funding for council services.
Sarah Messenger, head of workforce at the LGA, said: "This has been a very difficult decision to make but it is the right one for council taxpayers and the workforce as a whole.
"A combination of rising costs and shrinking local government funding means councils were left with little choice."
Unite national officer Peter Allenson said local government workers were under "sustained attack", adding: "Staff have endured a decade of below-inflation pay increases and freezes. Now attacks on pensions, conditions and massive job cuts have heaped misery upon misery."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments