Stories
Local government pay 2023
The National Employers recently made final, one-year (1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024) pay offers to the unions representing:
We shall continue to keep you informed of developments.
Fire and rescue service pay
A further pay offer has been made within the UK-wide National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, which covers uniformed personnel including firefighters. Discussions were also proposed to explore the wider points in the pay claim. The Fire Brigades Union will now consult its members, recommending acceptance. Notification of strike dates will not take place while the consultation is open.
Coroners’ pay
Agreement has been reached within the Joint Negotiating Committee for Coroners that with effect from 1 April 2022, local salaries and day rates for individuals derived from the JNC arrangements will be increased by 1.56 per cent.
Teachers Pay 2023 - STRB revised timeline
DfE’s written evidence to STRB has been delayed, resulting in the deadline being extended to 22 March. The NEOST evidence will now be published on our website. The STRB will submit their report in May, following oral evidence sessions w/c 17 April.
Publications
LGA Advisory Bulletin 709
Advisory Bulletin 709 contains updated FAQs on industrial action and information on the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, along with a case report on unfair dismissal relating to COVID-19 and health and safety. It includes information on two government consultations, one based on proposed changes to holiday entitlement following the Brazel case and one relating to a proposed code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement. Finally, news of the next LGA annual employment law update event on 25 April 2023 and the Employment Law Timetable.
Access previous advisory bulletins
Sharing ideas
Public Place - Local Authority Resourcing and Skills survey
This survey is for anyone working in/managing a planning/placemaking team in a local or combined authority, or a public sector body in England. That includes regeneration, community engagement, conservation, urban design, planning policy, development management, infrastructure, highways and transport, sustainability, landscape and property development. Take part in the survey
Supporting early careers in local government
Read David Drewry's blog on the importance on early careers and engaging young people, and how this can benefit local authorities' recruitment and retention strategies.
Recruitment and Retention best practice
A reminder that the LGA has launched a recruitment and retention best practice. Find out how the 6 P's can support councils create an effective recruitment strategy.
Local government early careers hub
Youth Employment UK have launched a new hub to promote careers in local government to young people. It includes background about the types of jobs on offer in councils, advice about pathways into the sector, and a selection of case studies. It also signposts to opportunities currently available.
Promoting flexible working for social workers
Partners in Care and Health are keen to work with Social Workers and Team Managers to understand what can be done to promote flexible working opportunities and to overcome barriers. Part-time and flexible hours are key benefits helping with staff retention of the social care workforce. For more information please contact Amanda.whittaker-brown@local.gov.uk
Evaluation of the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund
On 26 January DHSC published the evaluation of the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Funds made available to councils in 2021/22. The findings of the evaluation of the funds share learning that can be used by local areas to build on in the future to support workforce planning and resilience.
Made with Care, supporting national and local recruitment campaigns
DHSC are currently running a national recruitment campaign ‘Made with Care’ to raise awareness of the rewarding nature of care work and aiming to increase the number of quality applicants to social care roles. Free resources have been made available to employers to support local recruitment campaigns, saving local employers time and resources.
Apprentice of the year
Register your amazing apprentices for Local Government Apprentice of the Year 2023 on 24 and 25 May 2023. Apprentices will work in supportive virtual teams to experience the opportunities, risks and challenges involved in delivering successful local government services – and they might win an award for their efforts!
Local government finance capacity and capability study
As part of our sector support programme funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), we commissioned Local Partnerships to undertake research into the capacity and capability in local government finance. Our aim is that this report will support councils in understanding the pressures and challenges finance teams are facing, and the actions they can take. Read the report
Events
Let’s talk about … supporting inclusive leadership
Thursday 2 March 2023 | Webinar
Levelling up locally inquiry launch
Tuesday 14 March I Hybrid event
National Workshop for HR leaders, managers and business partners for children: Effective Cross-Council working between HR and Children’s Services
Thursday 23 March | Webinar
LGA Annual employment law webinar
Tuesday 25 April 2023 | Webinar
first magazine
 |
|
LGA's membership magazine 'first' is received as a hard copy by over 18,000 councillors and 400 chief executives. In a response to demand, we have made it easier to read online by creating a dedicated first magazine website. |
|
