Top union bosses have slammed a 3.3% increase offered to 1.5 million council workers across Britain as ‘insulting’ – but a pay body says it’s fair to both employees and local authorities
21:41, 24 Mar 2026Updated 21:42, 24 Mar 2026
Millions of council workers are being given a 3.3% pay rise (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A 3.3% pay rise offered to 1.5 million council workers across the UK has been slammed as ‘insulting’ by top union bosses.
Employers said the offer on behalf of 350 councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland would add £869 million to their payroll – but public sector unions say it amounts to a “real terms pay cut“ given ongoing cost of living pressures.
James Lewis, who chairs the National Employers pay body for local government services, said: “For the lowest paid (currently earning £24,796 per annum), the offer means their pay will have increased since April 2021 by £7,282 (39.72%).
“The National Employers are acutely aware of the additional pressure this offer will place on already hard-pressed council finances as it would need to be paid for from existing budgets. However, they believe their offer is fair to employees given the wider economic backdrop.”
Unions argue the pay deal amounts to a ‘real terms pay cut’ (file photo)(Image: Getty Images)
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But Unison’s head of local government Mike Short said: “It’s disappointing that the union’s fair and affordable pay claim has not been met. Staff deserve a decent wage rise.
“Senior reps will meet soon to consider next steps.”
Unite national officer Clare Keogh said: “This is a deeply disappointing offer and is yet another real terms pay cut.
“To add insult to injury, local authority workers will be angry that the LGA has refused to meaningfully negotiate on all aspects of the workers’ claim.”
Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said: “We will now meet with members to discuss next steps.”
Nurses are also being given a 3.3% pay rise following separate negotiations (file photo)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Same figure for NHS staff
Over 1.4 million directly employed NHS staff in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive a 3.3% pay rise from April 1, it was announced last month.
But unions representing nurses have described the figure as “another below inflation pay award” and an “insult” – warning that it would leave staff feeling “ignored and undervalued”
The pay rise, based on independent pay review body recommendations, applies to nurses, paramedics, and porters, but not doctors.
Resident doctors (formerly known as ‘junior doctors’) voted for further strikes in February after being offered a 5.4% pay rise, continuing a dispute that began three years ago over demands for ‘pay restoration’.
Police get 4.2% rise
A 4.2% pay increase for all police officers in England and Wales up to the rank chief superintendent came into effect in September.
But the Police Federation is currently calling for a minimum 7% pay rise for officers for each of the next three years, starting with 2026/27, arguing that officers have seen their pay fall in real terms by over 20% in the last 15 years.