Council spends big on time for unions

union officials.

The leader of the biggest union at Kirklees Council, Paul Holmes of UNISON, has previously defended the cost, saying most employers, both public and private, recognise good industrial relations save them money.

But Alex Wild, research director of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Trade unions are voluntary bodies of members and so should only receive the support of those members, not taxpayers.

“At a time when every part of the public sector has to make necessary savings, tens of millions of pounds cannot be wasted on subsidising political campaigns at the expense of hardpressed families.”

The biggest council, Birmingham City Council, spends a stunning £1.1m on trade unions’ facility time.

Leeds City Council spends about £502,000.

In comparison, Calderdale Council is estimated to spend only £30,000.

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “The council is committed to collective bargaining and effective employee relations.

“In order to achieve this there is a requirement for a number of individuals to be released for a proportion of their time to carry out trade union duties.

“The council and the trade unions have been working to refresh a time off agreement which will reduce the overall amount of release time and ultimately the cost.”