Social work opinion split over 2025-26 local government pay offer

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The proposed 3.2% hike – worth about an additional £1,260 for a social worker outside of London on the bottom of pay point 13 (currently earning £39,419) – fell far short of the claim for a £3,000 rise made by UNISON, Unite, and the GMB.

All three unions have urged their members to reject the employers’ proposal in consultative ballots being held over the next few weeks.

However, social workers seem split on whether to reject or go ahead with the deal.

Of nearly 2,500 respondents to a Community Care poll, 46% thought the pay offer was not ideal, but should be accepted as “there’s unlikely to be a better one”.

This is in the context of unions settling for employers’ initial offers in each of the past two years following months of dispute.

However, a comparable group (42%) said it would support strike action for a better deal. Only 12% called the proposed raise adequate, on the basis that it was above the current rate of inflation according to the government’s preferred measure – 2.6% in the year to March 2025.

‘Take a good deal when you see it’

The comments under the related article also painted a picture of division.

Some thought it unrealistic to expect a higher pay rise when local authorities were under extreme financial strain.

Twenty seven councils in England have been granted ‘exceptional financial support’ this year to balance their budgets, up from 17 in 2024. These authorities can now borrow or use receipts from the sale of assets to fund day-to-day expenditure.

“I think this is a decent offer, to be honest. However, I have no doubt it will be delayed by people with unrealistic expectations,” said one practitioner.

“My advice [is] get real and let’s avoid the same situation as every year. Look around at the economic situation and take a good offer when you see it.”

Andrew Kingston said that even a 3.2% raise, alongside other increases to employer costs, would exhaust councils’ resources without extra funding from central government.

“Most councils have not budgeted for this. The increase seems very reasonable [when] balancing budgets, service demands and longer-term benefits (pension),” he said.

Referencing the protracted disputes that have characterised recent pay rounds, he added: “I could really do without delays this year.”

On a similar theme, Scott said: “My bills go up in April, not December. [Let’s] get the pay rise in [as soon as possible]. People expecting £3,000 a year don’t live in the real world.”

Lengthy negotiation processes

Steve criticised the unions’ lengthy processes for balloting members and negotiating pay, adding that it only harmed practitioners.

“I thought pay rises were supposed to be for 1 April? Already a month late now. Unions, get your act together and just accept now. Then start proper negotiations for next year,” he added.

“All this waiting around every year is hitting the lowest earners. The offer won’t increase, just look at the last two years!”

“Every year the unions hold out, we need the payment now, not six months down the line,” added Ray. 

“Take the offer. We are not getting any more, we never do.”

An ‘insulting’ proposal

However, others deemed the employers’ offer ‘insulting’, ‘paltry’ or ‘ridiculous’, claiming that it failed to recognise the time, effort and skills practitioners brought to their work.

“[It is] an insult to all the incredible hard work we do and, not least, the added stress and pressure the cost of living brings. We deserve more,” said Lainey.

“I appreciate 10% would be unrealistic, but 3.2% is insulting.”

She was echoed by Sam, who said skilled professionals were losing out on pay year on year.

“I feel so undervalued when they say 3.2% is good, all the while increasing the minimum wage by 6.7%.”

Matt said he would be rejecting the pay offer and urged others to do the same.

“Unite will shortly be balloting members on this issue, and I for one will reject what is at best a pay freeze!”

‘Unions don’t strike, members do’

Some practitioners cited members’ lack of commitment to striking as the defining factor in getting a better deal.

“Unions don’t strike; members of unions strike,” said Patrick.

“[We’re] always blaming unions, local authorities, the government, the baker and the candle maker, but never take personal responsibility.”

Another practitioner criticised union members for not voting in strike ballots.

“It’s disappointing how resigned [they] seem to be about council workers’ pay having declined in real terms over the past 15 years,” they said. 

“I’ll be voting to reject the offer and for action to back it up, as I have done for the last several years of being a member.”

Following other professions’ example

Others compared social work with other professions that went on strike in previous years and achieved better pay deals, like junior doctors, nurses and train drivers.

However, one commentator claimed the social work workforce didn’t have the same willingness to go out on the streets.

“Until we all get together and say enough is enough they will keep laughing at us. They will throw the money at industries that are actually going to fight and cause a bit of disruption,” they added.

“Junior doctors, teachers, train drivers all got results. The proof is in the pudding. Either learn or be prepared for disappointment year after year.”

‘Most can’t afford to strike’

Ben, an adults’ practitioner, believed social workers couldn’t afford the luxury of striking – both due to lost pay and the impact on those they support.

“Yes, our pay is below what we all deserve, but the people I work for – those who need us – would be worse off if I went on strike,” he said.

“So many councils are in such a precarious position, with a lot having to declare bankruptcy. Come into the real world for a moment.”

Doris, who will vote to accept the offer, noted that professions that won a sizeable pay rise were on the streets for weeks, something many social workers could not do.

“I doubt many of us can afford weeks without pay. Let’s be honest, all that will happen is we will all work extra hours to catch up! I doubt many of us would leave someone at risk or not prepare for court because we’re on strike,” she said.

“Is this all we deserve? No! But is it a terrible offer? No, it isn’t. There is recognition that something has to change to address local government pay, which is positive.”

Like Ben, she doubted the chances of a better offer in light of the financial pressures on councils.

“We are not in a position to negotiate due to the way local authorities are funded. I say we accept and save the fight for when we actually stand a chance of winning.”

Celebrate those who’ve inspired you

Photo by Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/ AdobeStock

Do you have a colleague, mentor, or social work figure you can’t help but gush about?

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Nominate your colleague or social work inspiration by filling in our nominations form with a few paragraphs (100-250 words) explaining how and why the person has inspired you.

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If you have any questions, email our community journalist, Anastasia Koutsounia, at anastasia.koutsounia@markallengroup.com