Leicester: Church diocese signs historic trade union agreement

Clergy and members of staff from the Diocese of Leicester have joined the first ever trade union agreement

A Church of England diocese has made history by signing the first ever agreement with a trade union.

About 170 clergy and members of staff from the Diocese of Leicester will be represented by Unite.

The union said the historic agreement ensures collective bargaining rights for clergy stipends and staff pay, as well as terms and conditions for both.

The Leicester diocese said it was important its staff across the county have independent union representation.

It said the agreement would build "healthy employment relations" and commits the diocese to consult with the union on matters of interest to clergy and staff in relation to their employment, including pay, health and safety, and equal opportunities.

The diocese added it would also further develop wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, and anti-harassment policies and procedures for clergy, staff, and applicants.

The Lord Bishop of Leicester said he was "pleased" to have entered the voluntary agreement

The agreement was negotiated by the Church of England Clergy and Employee Advocates (CEECA) and is part of Unite's faith workers' branch.

It follows a 7% stipend rise for Church of England clergy announced in February, after CEECA members submitted a pay claim for the first time in the church's history.

Diocese workplace representative, the Reverend Peter Hobson, said: "We're delighted that the Leicester diocese is leading the way in recognising the value of an independent voice speaking on behalf of its clergy and other staff.

"Even when you work for God, your terms and conditions are still drawn up by human beings, and we all know that a healthy church can only be helped by healthy employment practices for its staff."

The Lord Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow, said he was "pleased" to have entered the voluntary agreement.

"I hope the agreement serves as a reflection of our close working as a diocese with CEECA over recent years and our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our clergy, authorised lay ministers, and staff," he added.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, added: "A huge well done to CEECA's activists for negotiating this historic agreement.

"Unite looks forward to seeing the agreement being replicated at dioceses around the country."