There will be winners and losers in Poole council’s fair pay review, with 26 per cent earning more – but some finding their wages slashed.
One employee, who could lose a massive 20 per cent of her pay, has described the shock outcome as “demoralising and de-motivating”.
The four-year long review of pay scales at Borough of Poole could see 481 staff, 13 per cent of 3,700 employees, lose pay, with 26 per cent enjoying an increase and the majority staying the same.
“It is hard to grasp how for years you are considered worth a certain salary and then that can be slashed by such a huge amount as the result of completing a form,” said the shocked employee.
“Suddenly we are expected to do the same job for far less money.”
The fair pay review is at the final stage of a national equal pay agreement to bring the council into line with the National Single Status Agreement.
It will cost £1.8 million to implement the revised pay and grading structure, which affects those currently earning between £12,000 and £53,000 – which will rise to £55,000.
Trade unions have been involved in the review and are now balloting members, with the results expected on January 15.
Council leader Cllr Brian Leverett, said: “In those cases where the pay grade has gone down, the council has put in place measures to minimise the impact.”
They will retain their current pay until September 30, 2010.
He said the proposed agreement was a legal requirement and had been budgeted for.
“It is affordable and will offer value for money for council taxpayers,” he said.
The council’s wage bill, excluding teachers, is £53.3 million and would rise to just over £55m.
John McBride, chief executive of the council, said: “We recognise the need to reward staff fairly based upon equal pay for work of equal value.
“The council has carried out extensive work, in consultation with the trade unions, to reach a mutually acceptable draft agreement on a new pay and grading structure that is fair and affordable.”
Unison and the GMB are recommending members vote in favour.
Alan Martin, Unison’s south-west regional organiser, said: “It is always of concern when some employees experience a reduction in pay and we have attempted to ensure there is a period of adjustment for those people whilst maintaining the need for pay equality across the whole group of employees.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Brian Clements, who said he couldn’t comment on an individual case, added: “The agreement is long overdue, having come about as a result of legislation introduced in 1997.
“I am concerned that there should be adequate protection for any lower-paid employees who might be losers under the new arrangements.
“This is particularly important in these times of recession.”
