Pay freeze threat for Northumberland County Council workers

Nov 4 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A PAY freeze could be forced on to 12,000 council staff as county bosses look to cut costs.

Thousands of bin men, social workers and care home staff are to meet with union leaders to consider what can be done to prevent Northumberland County Council denying them the chance to increase their wages next year.

Council bosses say they have no choice but to look at preventing any staff from moving up in their salary bandings in order to save at least £1.8m.

The council would still honour any national pay agreement but would not agree to any salary scale reviews, as previously agreed in nearly all their staff contracts. And union bosses have warned they could be forced to consider industrial action if the council holds pay levels just as a potential Conservative Government announces nationwide pay freezes.

It raises the prospect of council bosses struggling to cope with county-wide strikes while trying to find £33m in savings.

Staff have written to council directors warning that they would oppose any attempt to hold back on contractual obligations to offer them the chance to receive a pay rise within their salary band. They have called on the council to look for savings elsewhere, including a review of consultancy costs.

Last night union leaders warned the proposed pay changes would make strike action “a very serious option”. And many are claiming the move could eventually see teachers and school support staff dragged into the dispute.

Colin Smith, the GMB’s regional local government officer, said: “Council staff are constantly called upon to make more and more savings for political reasons. We are an easy target.