Tunbridge Wells BC staff to vote on withdrawal from national pay bargaining

Employees at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have until today (12 July) to decide whether to agree a new structure that will see the local authority withdraw from national pay bargaining.

The local authority’s chief executive, William Benson, claimed the proposed local pay structure would provide:

• A platform to replace “the current, outdated pay and grading schemes which are not generally perceived as transparent and felt fair by many staff”
• Determination of pay and grading on a consistent basis for all categories of staff in accordance with the requirements of equal pay, and
• The ability for managers to attract, retain and motivate the high calibre of staff required by the council.

Benson added: “The council will have the ability to determine pay cost of living rises locally, to align award with the council’s budget process and to pay any increases promptly at the start of each financial year.”

The move is part of a restructuring at the council intended to prepare the authority for reduced funding from central government.