Unions representing 1.4 million council and school staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are calling for a wage rise of at least £3,000 to recognise soaring workloads and increasing household costs. UNISON, GMB and Unite have submitted their joint annual local government pay claim for 2026-27, demanding a substantial award from April after years […]
local government
Councils across Yorkshire and Humberside face a funding shortfall of almost £240m next year, leaving the area’s most vulnerable residents paying the price for years of underfunding, says UNISON research published today. New figures compiled by the union based on information directly from local authorities show council finances remain in a dire state, despite a […]
Commenting on remarks made by Nigel Farage about workers employed at Durham County Council needing to look for “alternative careers”, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This is not the US. Thankfully workers in the UK have laws to protect them from bad employers. And soon employees will get even more protection from unscrupulous bosses when the […]
Thousands of workers employed by council-owned trading companies are paid less and receive inferior pensions than town hall staff, says UNISON today (Monday). Exclusive research by the union reveals that over three-fifths (62%) of councils now own at least one local authority trading company (LATC). These are arms-length firms delivering local services or generating income. The Trading Places study […]
Properly funded and sufficiently staffed public services are essential if the government is to deliver its vision for Britain, says UNISON today (Thursday), responding to Keir Starmer’s speech. UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said: “Repairing the damage wreaked by years of Tory mismanagement is a tough job that will take a while. The government has […]
Over 200 job losses to tackle a significant budget shortfall at Wakefield Council will have a serious impact on council staff and services for people in the city, warns UNISON today (Tuesday). UNISON research published earlier this year found that Wakefield Council is short of around £23m needed to maintain essential services in 2025/26. But […]
New migrant care worker charter will help stop exploitation in Yorkshire and Humberside, says UNISON
Councils are being urged to sign a new charter to tackle the exploitation of migrant workers across Yorkshire and Humberside, says UNISON today (Monday). The migrant worker charter launched by the union aims to prevent social care staff from becoming victims of modern slavery when they travel from overseas to work in the region. It highlights […]
Councils across Yorkshire and Humberside have a collective hole in their finances amounting to £345.4m for the coming financial year, says UNISON research published today (Tuesday). New figures, based on information from local authorities across Yorkshire and Humberside, show council funding is in a dire state with massive cuts likely to essential services and jobs, says the […]
More than 360,000 council and school support staff across England and Wales will begin voting today (Wednesday) on whether to take strike action over pay, says UNISON. The 2024/25 flat rate pay offer of £1,290 from local government employers falls short of what council employees need and has also been superseded by the deals achieved […]
Children’s centre closures across England have devastated communities and left vulnerable families without access to vital education and health support, says UNISON today (Monday). Freedom of Information (FoI) requests by the union reveal that over a third (38%) of council-run children’s centres in England have closed since 2010 when the government implemented austerity measures and […]
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