Union members to decide on Cafcass’ pay offer

UNISON and family court union Napo have left it to members to decide on a 2.5 per cent pay offer from the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service.

While not recommending the offer, officials have not rejected it outright, inviting members to make up their own minds in ballots over the next month.

The unions have told members that rejection is likely to mean an industrial action ballot, as they are unlikely to win any more money through negotiation, given Cafcass’s financial difficulties and pay remit from government.

Napo’s assistant general secretary Jonathan Ledger said: “We understand that Cafcass is under quite a lot of pressure at the moment. Members have to understand that if they reject it, it is likely that an industrial action ballot will follow.”

However, he added: “It’s a poor offer. It’s not good enough.”

Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas will be challenged on the issue in a speech to Napo’s annual conference, which starts today (Thursday)..