Long-running pay dispute resolved with Unison

The council and Unison have successfully negotiated a resolution to a long-running dispute regarding pay for social workers in our Adult Social Care services.  

Proposals have been accepted that better support professional development and career progression for social workers at all levels.  

Investing in our workforce 

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council, said: “This resolution reflects the collaborative and open approach to negotiations with our trade union partners over the past year, and I’m delighted we’ve reached an agreement.  

“Social workers provide a crucial service, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Brighton & Hove. We’re determined to continue investing in our workforce and supporting our staff's professional development, so they can provide the care our residents need.” 

Pay dispute 

In 2022, Unison submitted a request for a market supplement payment to apply to social workers in our Adult Social Care services, similar to the market supplement paid to social workers in Children’s Services.  

The request was considered at length by the council’s compensation panel, but was not agreed because it did not fulfil the criteria for a market supplement payment, which is made in exceptional circumstances for roles that are hard to fill.  

In response to the panel’s decision, Unison balloted their members for industrial action, and 79 staff in Health & Adult Social Care went on strike for 3 days in November and December 2023.  

Alternative proposal 

In response to the strike, an alternative proposal was presented by council management in February 2024 outlining a career-grade structure aimed at benefitting social workers at all levels in Adult Social Care and from which 85% of staff would benefit.  

This proposal acknowledged the importance of investing in ongoing professional development for social workers at all levels and supporting career progression to higher grades. Unison agreed to temporarily suspend further strike action pending negotiations on the management proposal.  

From March 2024 to March 2025, the council and Unison worked closely to negotiate a resolution to the industrial action based on the proposal made in February 2024. A Unison ballot in April 2025 voted in favour of the proposals and ended the industrial action.