Local government staff keep communities safe, clean and accessible, often for little to no recognition.
Without dedicated staff, local government will collapse. And without fair pay, councils will continue to struggle to recruit and retain staff.
Latest news – pay offer rejected and upcoming industrial action ballot
In April 2026, UNISON’s NJC Committee rejected the Employers’ pay offer of a 3.3% increase.
The decision was made to proceed with an industrial action ballot running from 9 July to 6 August in England and Cymru. UNISON strongly recommends that you VOTE YES in the ballot to get the pay you need and deserve. A ballot in Northern Ireland will follow in the autumn.
We will be balloting members in strategically targeted employers. We will notify all members in due course on who is being balloted, if you are not being balloted you can still support the pay campaign and new resources will be available soon.
In the meantime, please continue to use the resources below to help push the fight for better pay and for the Government to provide more funding.
Pay claim
The 2026/27 pay claim for local government staff in England, Cymru and Northern Ireland has been submitted on Monday 1 December 2025. The employers consulted on our claim during December to January.
Our claim includes (based on a one-year settlement):
- An increase of at least £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) on every pay point
- A minimum pay rate of £15 an hour for all staff
- A two-hour reduction in the working week
- An increase of one day annual leave
- The ability of all school support staff to take a day of paid leave during term time
Campaign materials and resources
To help with your local campaigning, we have produced a range of materials and resources.
Leaflets and posters: including school-specific versions
Visit the UNISON shop to download
Digital graphics: to use on social media channels and other communications
Visit the online portal to download
General secretary video: please watch Andrea Egan’s video promoting our pay campaign and share it as widely as possible
Contact your councillor: your councillor can raise the issue of better funding directly with local government employers.
Contact your MP: send an email to your elected national politicians, to ask them to use their influence to press the government to fund councils properly.
Check and update your details:
It’s important that your membership details are always kept up to date – if any information is incorrect you may miss out on vital updates. The quickest way to check and update your details is online via My UNISON.
We recently commissioned research with Landman Economics to look at the overall impact on the public finances of the 2026/27 National Joint Council (NJC) pay claim for employees in local government covered by the NJC.
Not a member?
If your colleagues aren’t members of UNISON already, encourage them to join UNISON today.
Share our interactive map:
This website shows the scale of cuts to local services across England, Wales and Scotland. You’ll also find an email your MP tool, asking MPs to support the urgent need for funding.
Want to get more involved in this campaign?
Contact your branch and ask about becoming a pay campaign contact where you work.
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