Two out of three unions approve 3.2% school support staff pay rise
GMB Union said it had ‘reluctantly agreed’ to accept the deal in order to avoid sanctions on members’ access to universal credit
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A 3.2% consolidated pay increase for local government staff—including school support staff, carers, and council workers—has been formally accepted by Unison and GMB, enabling the raise to proceed under the National Joint Council (NJC) system despite Unite’s continued opposition.
The National Employers for Local Government Services, representing local authorities, extended the full and final offer in an April 22 letter, covering all NJC pay points and allowances from 1 April 2025.
The agreement takes effect immediately, with backpay provisions included for staff who have left since April.
Commenting on the letter sent to the local government employers accepting this year’s pay award for council and school staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: “The priority is now to get the money into everyone’s wage packets as soon as possible. Although a 3.2% rise for this year is not to be sniffed at, workers will be disappointed. Far more will be required in future to ensure local government salaries don’t fall further behind other parts of the economy.
“Otherwise, the recruitment crisis in local authorities and schools will worsen. Next year’s settlement needs to tackle the continuing cost of living crisis. Ministers must also provide the funding to make a decent wage increase possible.”
GMB Union said it had “reluctantly agreed” to accept the deal in order to avoid sanctions on members’ access to universal credit.
Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, added: “GMB and other unions have settled the local government pay negotiations for 25/26.
“The employers refused to meet and negotiate and were adamant there was no extra money. We reluctantly settled to avoid delays which could have meant sanctions on members reliant on Universal Credit.GMB, other unions and employers will now concentrate on a review of the local government pay spine which is being impacted by increases to the national living wage.”
Education Report contacted Unite for comment.