BCP Council announce new pay structure
“Achieving fairness and equality in our pay and grading structure for our staff has always been our primary aim"
Councillors in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have voted in favour of bringing in a new ‘fair and transparent’ pay structure for local authority employees.
The proposals were formally approved during a vote at Council on 22 July with councillors unanimously supporting the proposals.
During the meeting councillors approved the additional £1.7m investment required for the proposed pay structure.
For staff, what this means is that they'll receive new pay terms and conditions, which will come into force on December 1st.
The Council has been working towards the introduction of a single pay structure for employees since it was formed as the local authority to serve residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in 2019.
It's about 'fairness and equity'
Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council said: “Achieving fairness and equality in our pay and grading structure for our staff has always been our primary aim.
“Getting to this position has taken a huge amount of hard work and effort from everyone involved and we are delighted that we can now offer fair and transparent pay for our workforce.
“The new structure means at least 92% of our employees would see either an increase or no change in their pay. Those staff facing a reduction in their pay would have the certainty that their salary will be protected at current levels for a further 18 months.”
A 'hugely significant moment'
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council said: “This is a hugely significant moment for BCP Council and our biggest and final milestone following local government reorganisation more than six years.
“Providing consistency across our pay structure will allow us to offer a package of terms and conditions that enables the Council to attract and retain the skills and talent it needs to deliver the best possible services for our residents.”
Earlier this month members of the trade unions GMB and UNISON voted overwhelmingly in favour of accepting proposals to introduce the new pay structure.
Council will now move to finalise the signing of a collective agreement with the trade unions.