News

More than half (52 per cent) of adult social workers experience increased severity and complexity of need in their caseloads, while capacity and resources do not keep pace with the demand, a new survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals.

“Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 3.30 per cent from 1 April 2026.  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 per cent). 

"Local government needs to be part of decision-making to avoid a scenario where the introduction of an FPA jeopardises the supply of care and sustainability of council finances.” 

Cllr Jane Scullion, Chair of the LGA’s Improvement Committee, said: “Working in local government is truly a career where you get to make a real difference for your community – there are few other jobs like it. "

A pilot campaign will soon be delivered in the West Midlands to promote local government careers for young people during October and November, as part of the government-funded ‘Make a Difference, Work for Your Local Council’ national recruitment campaign.

"More than nine in 10 councils are experiencing staff recruitment and retention difficulties across a diverse range of skills, professions and occupations."

“Council employees have been offered a pay increase of £1,925 from 1 April 2022. For the lowest paid (currently earning £18,333 per annum), the offer equates to an increase of 10.5 per cent."

"We will be consulting with councils during June to seek their views which will inform the National Employers’ response to the unions."

Council employees have been offered an improved pay increase

Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 1.50 per cent from 1 April 2021.