British Library workers to strike in pay dispute

Union members will strike over October's half term

Workers at the British Library, in central London, are to strike in a dispute over pay.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said more than 300 of its members at the site will walk out from 27 October to 9 November after voting by 98% in favour of industrial action.

The union said the workers faced a second consecutive year of a below-inflation pay rise.

A British Library spokesperson said it "reaffirmed its commitment" to being a "living wage foundation employer", where lower-paid employees receive higher percentage wage increases.

'Workers are livid'

PCS said the vote was nearly unanimous, which represented a "small glimpse into the strength of feeling" among its members.

Its general secretary, Fran Heathcote, added: "They are livid at yet another insulting pay offer that does little to alleviate the health problems that many suffer from because of low pay.

"Nor does it come close to ending the need for many to work second jobs and take out loans to pay their bills and meet their housing costs."

In response, a spokesperson for the British Library said it had made a formal pay offer of 3% for the year 2025/26, which was weighted to enhance benefits for lower pay bands.

"All staff would receive a minimum of a consolidated increase of 2.4% or £800 - whichever is the higher.

"Separately, a restructure of senior management is under way, however, details of this process remain confidential while those who are affected are consulted."

Elsewhere, more than 100 PCS members who work at Tate Galleries are being balloted for strike action in the next few weeks in a separate pay dispute.