NJC pay update: branch views required by 5 April

Branches asked to comment on revised recommendation on pay offer for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

UNISON is asking local government branches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for their views following the consultation with members on the two-year pay offer from employers.

The union’s NJC committee met on Friday 16 March to consider the response from the member consultation over the Local Government Association’s (LGA) pay offer for 2018-20 – and agree next steps.

UNISON members very narrowly voted to reject the Local Government Association’s (LGA) pay offer, with 50.44% voting to reject and 48.66% voting to accept it. The small discrepancy was the result of 0.89% spoilt ballot papers.

However, 62.4% of branches – and 8 out of 11 regions – voted to accept the offer.

Consequently, the NJC committee agreed to:

  • reluctantly amend its recommendation to acceptance of the pay offer;
  • consult branches, via regions, on the revised recommendation to accept the offer;
  • the consultation will be completed by 5 April 2018;
  • branches will be asked: ‘Do you agree with the NJC committee’s revised decision to accept the 2018-20 NJC pay offer? Yes /No.’

Branches are being asked to seek feedback from members.

The NJC committee will meet on 6 April to discuss branches’ feedback and decide next steps. We will keep branches and members updated.