Representatives from three trade unions representing civil service workers are currently examining a new pay offer presented during a meeting with the Cabinet Office
earlier today.
The proposed package includes an additional non-consolidated cost-of-living payment of £1,500, which will be made to all civil servants covered by the pay remit process, including those on the centralised fast stream. This offer is an addendum to the 2023-24 pay remit guidance released by the government in April, allowing departments to grant average pay awards of up to 4.5% for the mentioned period, with an additional 0.5% specifically targeted at lower pay bands.
Moreover, the government has committed to implementing capability-based pay for senior civil servants, with the Cabinet Office placing significant focus on this area of work. Additionally, there is a pledge from the Cabinet Office not to make any changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme until 2025 and to avoid any compulsory redundancies.
Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union, acknowledged the impact of the threat of industrial action on the government's response, stating that this new pay deal demonstrates that the message has been heard. He emphasized the significance of reaching a positive outcome for the civil service, commending the commitment of ministers and civil service leadership. Penman also highlighted the need for ministers to exhibit their appreciation and respect for the civil service on multiple fronts, with pay being a crucial aspect.
The executive committees of the FDA and Prospect unions are scheduled to assess the proposed package and its implications for the industrial action ballot, which is currently on hold. The PCS union also welcomed the government's responsiveness to its members' concerns, expressing its intention to scrutinize the details in a meeting of the national executive committee.
The outcome of these deliberations will determine the unions' formal responses to the government's offer in due course. Photo by Smuconlaw., Wikimedia commons.