26/08/2026
NJC PAY (GREEN BOOK) UPDATE FOR COUNCIL AND SCHOOL WORKERS:
After months of pressure from trade union members across local government and schools, the Joint Trade Unions have now formally responded to the 2026/27 NJC pay offer.
While UNISON Middlesbrough Branch members made it clear that the offer fell short of expectations, turnout across the whole union movement did not reach the level required to progress to achieve formal industrial action ballot.
As a result, UNISON, GMB and Unite have reluctantly agreed to accept the offer.
✅ What members have secured: • A 3.3% pay rise on NJC pay points 3-43
• A 3.3% increase in allowances
• Backdated to 1 April 2026
• Employers instructed to implement the increase as quickly as possible.
✊ But the campaign doesn't stop here.
UNISON has already called for work on the 2027 pay claim to begin immediately and is pushing for early face-to-face negotiations with employers. We will also be pressing for an urgent review of the NJC pay spine to address the growing impact of the National Living Wage and ensure members are properly rewarded for the vital work they do.
💚💜 Every UNISON member who took part in meetings, consultations and campaigning helped demonstrate the strength of feeling across the sector. We know that school and local government workers deserve better, and the fight for fair pay will continue. 💜💚
