Following a briefing from the Local Government Association on 14 July, the key points to be aware of include:
- Recognised unions for support staff, Unison, GMB and Unite, collectively put forward their claim to the National Employers on 8 June 2022 requesting:
- a minimum of £2,000 per annum or the current rate of RPI (whichever is greater) on all spinal column points
- a COVID-19 recognition payment
- a national minimum agreement on homeworking policies and the introduction of a homeworking allowance
- an urgent review of all mileage rates currently applying
- a review and update of Green Book terms for family leave and pay
- a review of term time only contracts and consideration of retainers
- a reduction in the working week (without loss of pay) to 35 hours (34 in London)
- one additional day of annual leave
- National Employers concluded their consultation with councils on 27 June 2022 and will meet to decide their offer on 25 July. We can expect an offer to be put to unions shortly afterwards.
- The options for pay being considered are a:
- multi-year offer
- cash increase on all pay points
- percentage increase on pay points
- potential for higher weighted increases on the bottom points to ensure these align with and achieve some headroom between National Living Wage and NJC pay scales.
- Unions have been asked to consult at the same time and duration, rather than one after each other, which caused delays last year.
- National Employers are clear that they do not recommend making upfront or interim payments to staff whilst waiting for a decision.
- It has been made clear that if Schools have budgeted 2% for salary uplifts, this is unlikely to meet your costs.
We will provide more information as and when it becomes available.
EPM can help
If you would like further help or support please get in touch with us at services@epm.co.uk or 01480 431 993.