Lowest-paid council workers to get pay rise

£1 AN HOUR RISE PART OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITMENT TO FAIR PAY

NEWCASTLE City Council’s lowest paid workers are in line for a pay rise as a part of its commitment to fair pay.

School cooks, cleaners and nursery assistants are just some of those who will see their wage rise by £1 an hour. Every year since 2012 the council has improved the pay of its staff on the three lowest pay grades, aiming to help towards a decent standard of living.

It rises in line with the wage announced every year by national body The Living Wage Foundation, which increased pay from £9.90 to £10.90 this September. The extra £1 an hour for around 800 staff will increase the council’s pay bill by £127,000 for the rest of the financial year.

Councillor Paul Frew, Cabinet member for an Efficient Council, said that the pay rise was a recognition of the commitment and professionalism shown by the council’s staff, adding: “A living wage should be expected by everyone who works, and our staff deserve every penny. Fair pay is especially important in the face of rising living costs such as energy bills, food, petrol, rent, and mortgages.

“If all employers in the city did this, we would have a more resilient local economy, that better serves workers and their families.”

Paul Gilroy, Branch Secretary of UNISON, said: “UNISON Newcastle City Branch welcomes the news that the council once again intends to match the Living Wage Foundation.

“We believe that the Living Wage Foundation should be the minimum pay rate across all public sector organisations, as a large employer in Newcastle we acknowledge the council taking a lead in the city.”

Last week, the council agreed to commit to accreditation as a Real Living Wage Council in an attempt to improve pay rates among its contractors.

More details will be announced next week during National Living Wage Week.