Unions representing 750,000 council and school support staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland criticised the 1.5% pay offer made by the Local Government Association.
GMB, Unite and UNISON submitted a joint pay claim to the local government employers in February for a 10% pay rise. This would be payable from 1 April 2021.
The unions say the joint claim represents a decent wage rise that’s both necessary to put a stop to poverty pay in local government and schools, and recognises the crucial role played by staff during the pandemic.
UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said: “This is a disappointing offer, especially after a year in which council staff have done so much to help local communities gripped by the pandemic.
“Council staff will feel that their efforts over the past 15 months haven’t been recognised.
“Unions will now discuss the offer with their national local government committees before formally responding. It’s likely they’ll want the employers to think again and come back and negotiate an offer that better reflects the worth and value of the dedicated school and council workforce.”