Prospect ‘reluctantly’ accepts Soulbury Pay Agreement for 2021

Following protracted negotiations which has taken more than half a year, Prospect has agreed to accept a 1.75% increase to all Soulbury pay points, which will be backdated to September 2021.

Prospect consulted with members who are employed by local authorities and whose roles are covered by the Soulbury agreement.

Members’ feedback revealed that they were minded to accept the offer, a position that was also supported by the Education and Children’s Services Group Executive Council.

The negotiated agreement on a pay award includes:

• 1.75% increase on all pay points on each of the Officer pay scales on 1 September 2021
• 1.75% increase on the London Area and Fringe Payments on 1 September 2021

The Joint Trade Union side has now written to the Local Government Association to reluctantly accept the offer, which has been confirmed.

Prospect will be writing to Local Authorities to ensure they apply the new pay scales and that they are backdated.

Prospect national secretary, Steve Thomas, said:

“It is with some reluctance that we have accepted this offer. We always want to do better for our members and I know this may not fully meet their, nor indeed my, aspirations but it’s worth remembering that this announcement relates to 2021’s pay award and it’s far better to have this money, and to have it now.”

Thomas continued:

“We have indicated to the LGA that we are seeking a without prejudice review of the pay structure and the role of Soulbury officers during the pandemic and beyond, with priority given to joint work on SPA points and the payment of the salaries for Trainee EPs within the Soulbury Report.”

“We also believe that the recent DfE announcements, including the withdrawal of the Schools Improvement Monitoring and Brokering Grant makes a review of the role of Soulbury officers urgent.”

More information see the attached: Soulbury Pay Award for 2021