Strike threat at council over fresh pay deal

Unison members at Surrey County Council to be balloted over the latest pay offer

Staff at Surrey County Council are being balloted on possible strike action over a new pay deal.

The Unison union was seeking an across-the-board pay increase of £3,500, but the authority's revised offer is £1,800, with an increase in payments for those off long term sick.

Council leader Tim Oliver said the offer was final and the authority must "live within its means".

The result of the ballot will be known on 4 June, with the union recommending rejection.

In March the union warned the authority of a potential walkout after a “record number” backed strike action unless there was a significantly improved pay offer.

The council originally offered increases of between £1,124 and £1,682, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

That has now been increased, along with an offer of sick pay returning to six months full pay and six months half pay, double its current levels.

Unison's Paul Couchman said: “The council has already shown that we can move them.

“We believe we can get a better, fairer offer if we get a result in this ballot."

Council leader Tim Oliver says the authority must live within its means

Council leader Tim Oliver said : “We have made a revised improved final offer and remain committed to getting the matter resolved so our staff can receive their pay increase as soon as possible.

“However it’s imperative the offer is within our means.

“The council is not immune to the challenges of the current economic landscape, rising costs and inflation pressures, and we must ensure we remain in a position to deliver vital public services and protect our most vulnerable in our communities throughout.”

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