We would like to apologise for the delay in providing the ballot results, considering that the ballot closed on 13 December.  However, as the results have been broken down by local authority, it has taken some time to analyse these which is necessary to understand the strength of feeling in different parts of the country.

We would like to thank all members who took the time to vote and for the hard work of all the reps and branches in keeping members informed and working so hard to get the ballot out.

In terms of the ballot result, we can now inform you that GMB members covered by the National Joint Council for Local Government have rejected the latest pay offer of 1.75% and have voted for industrial action with 60% of returns in favour of action.

However, the turnout did not meet the legal threshold required to take industrial action on a national level although a number of branches across the country have demonstrated the level of support which does give us a range of options to escalate the dispute if further talks are not successful.

As a result of this, we will inform the employer that our members have once again overwhelmingly rejected the offer and have mandated us to seek further talks for a new and significantly improved deal.

In terms of the result, we understand that the cost of living crisis is having a major impact and we are looking for the employers to recognise this. We know that you have worked providing essential services throughout the pandemic and that you have more than demonstrated your worth in keeping this country going.  

As such, for you to be facing a pay rise that is significantly below inflation is not acceptable and we are concerned that your commitment to the job and to the people you support every day is simply being taken for granted.  We will inform the employers of the result and are awaiting the outcome of the ballots of our sister unions. Once we have these, we will be able to update you further.