Local government unions demand £3,000 pay rise for council and school staff

Unions representing 1.4 million council and school workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are calling for a substantial pay rise as they submit their annual pay claim today. UNISON, GMB and Unite are demanding a wage increase of £3,000 for all local government staff from April, arguing that their members have been left behind compared to other public sector workers.

The unions say that local government and school employees, including teaching assistants, refuse collectors, care workers, cleaners, and librarians, have seen their wages decline in real terms over the past decade. The 2024-25 pay settlement for local government staff averaged 2.5%, significantly lower than the 5.5% awarded to teachers and the more than 6% rise given to many doctors.

The 2025-26 pay claim also includes demands for a minimum hourly wage of £15, an extra day of annual leave, a reduction of two hours in the working week, and the right for school staff to take at least one day of leave during term time.

Union leaders warn that failure to improve pay will worsen recruitment and retention issues, with council staff increasingly being drawn to better-paid jobs in the private sector. They highlight that since 2010, more than 900,000 local government jobs have been lost, with cuts disproportionately affecting women.

UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: “Services provided by council and school workers are vital for communities to thrive. But wages have remained low, and without decent pay, staff feel undervalued and are looking for better-paid work elsewhere. A proper pay offer is essential.

“It’s bad news for everyone if there aren’t enough council and school employees to keep neighbourhoods safe, care for vulnerable people and give pupils the education they need.”

GMB national officer Sharon Wilde said: “It’s essential our school support staff, local authority and council workers are offered a decent pay rise for this year.

“It is vital that central government invests in the schools and local government workforce. GMB members tell us low pay, funding cuts and increasing workloads are the biggest issues facing them and their colleagues at work.

“A decent pay rise is needed for staff to feel valued at work and to retain these vital public sector workers who are essential to our society.”

Unite national officer for local government Clare Keogh said: “After years of real-term pay cuts, local government employers need to recognise that there is growing anger among workers, especially the lowest paid, about the way they are treated year after year.

“Employers must meaningfully negotiate this year to ensure a decent pay rise.”