Pay and Grading Review is not saving us money, says Council Chief Exec

Rochdale Council Chief Executive Roger Ellis

Rochdale Council's chief executive has denied that the recent pay and grading review of staff salaries is a cost-cutting exercise, saying that the wage budget has increased following the review.

He has also moved to reassure employees that the results of the review are not yet final and that 'in some circumstances, staff will also have the opportunity to appeal against their individual outcome'.

Mr Ellis said: "This has not been a local decision or a politically motivated process - in fact, all councils led by different political parties up and down the country are required to do the same thing. The outcome of the review is intended to make sure that we continue to meet our legal obligations and that our employees receive equal pay for jobs of equal value."

In December, staff affected by the review were given details of the council’s proposals including details of how they would be personally affected.

Mr Ellis claims that under the proposals, the vast majority of staff will either stay on the same salary or get an increase in pay. "Most of those whose salaries have increased are among the council’s lowest paid employees including caring and catering staff," he said.

Figures coming from the Council state that under the current proposals around 25% of staff will lose an average of £2,600 in pay, with their existing pay protected at its current level until September 2010, and around 45% of staff will gain an average £2,700 increase in pay. The remaining 30% of staff will remain on the same level of pay.

Mr Ellis continued: "The current proposals were approved by an all-party committee as a basis for consultation, so we are currently talking to our staff and trade union representatives to get their views and no final decisions will be taken until this feedback has been considered. In some circumstances, staff will also have the opportunity to appeal against their individual outcome.

"We fully understand that this is a challenging time for individual employees and for the council as a whole, and we are doing our utmost to ensure that staff feel properly supported through a range of internal and external guidance and advice which is available to all, including a dedicated helpline and access to a confidential employee assistance programme.

"Although there is still some way to go in this process, we will continue to support and listen to our staff, whilst delivering the same high level of service that the people of Rochdale expect and deserve."