Chancellor Rishi Sunak was accused today by Unite the union of having ‘a selective memory’ when it comes to public sector pay, rewarding some, but ignoring hundreds of thousands of others.
While welcoming as ‘a step in the right direction’ the 3.1 per cent pay rise for 900,000 public sector workers, including doctors, teachers and police officers, Unite said that, yet again, council workers seemed to be ‘the forgotten army of public service’, currently being offered a pay rise that amounts to £1.83p a day.
Unite national officer for local government Jim Kennedy said: “What the chancellor has announced for 900,000 public sector employees is a step in the right direction and a recognition of the vital role they have played in the fight against coronavirus.
“But the chancellor has a selective memory when it comes to finding cash for local government employers to pay their workers a decent pay rise – they are the forgotten army of public service.
“Council workers –including schools, refuse collection, cemeteries, child protection, and the care of our elderly and vulnerable – have been working throughout the pandemic. They are the glue that keeps services for local communities running on a daily basis through good times and bad.
“However, currently the employers are offering their staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland a derisory and insulting £1.83p a day – and this has to be seen in the context of a decade of attacks on pay and conditions that has resulted in a 20 per cent cut in pay in real terms in local government over the last 10 years.
“We know the public is appreciative and supportive of our frontline workforce. Unfortunately, neither Rishi Sunak nor the local government employers are mirroring public opinion.
“If the government is serious about ‘levelling up’ society, the chancellor needs to find the money to fund a decent pay rise for council workers.”
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today :
“The dedication and hugely important part played by all NHS, care, council, police and school staff during the pandemic is clear for all to see.
“But pay rises must be funded or already-stretched public services will feel an even greater pinch.
“The government must show its appreciation by coming up with the cash now to give the rest of the NHS staff – including nurses, porters, ambulance crew and cleaners – an early pay rise this year.
“Local authorities also need proper funding so council, school support staff and care workers can get a well-deserved wages boost too.
“Investment in staff and public services now will help boost the economy and ensure the UK’s in a better position to withstand a possible second wave.”
