Mixed reaction to proposed pay deal

Several Unison branches are likely to oppose the pay deal offered
to local government employees earlier this month. But a Unison
spokesperson said that the majority of branches appeared to be in
favour of the settlement.

The arbitration service Acas proposed a two-year deal under which
staff would receive increases ranging from 7.7 per cent to 10.9 per
cent for the lowest paid, and a minimum of £5 an hour (news,
page 8, 8 August).

Meanwhile, Unison, GMB and TGWU, which represent staff at the 33
London councils, threatened further action if they fail to receive
a positive response over higher London weighting payments at next
month’s meeting with employers.