Adult social workers on strike in Brighton and Hove in November 2023 (credit: James Pike)

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A longstanding social work pay dispute that led practitioners to take strike action has been resolved with a salary boost for newly qualified staff and more opportunities for experienced workers to progress.

Adults’ social workers at Brighton & Hove Council took three days’ strike action in late 2023 in pursuit of a 12.5% market supplement on top of their salary – as received by their counterparts in children’s services.

Their union – UNISON – warned that the supplement was needed both to address the inequality with children’s practitioners and prevent an exodus of social workers.

The Labour-run authority maintained that it could not deliver on the request, but in early 2024 came forward with an offer to settle the dispute described by the union as “encouraging”.

The dispute was finally resolved earlier this year, with a deal that involved:

UNISON branch secretary Corinna Edwards-Colledge said: “Our branch is proud to have worked so effectively with our stewards and members as well as the city council to get this result, one that we have been told by national UNISON, is one of the best outcomes to a social worker dispute in the country.

“This outcome to our dispute will improve the pay and progression of dozens of social workers in the city, but as with all negotiations, there were compromises, and we will continue to work with and support all our social worker members to address any concerns or issues going forward.

“Our adult social workers provide an essential service in increasingly challenging circumstances supporting some of our city’s most vulnerable people. Hopefully the increase in pay for most and the clear pathways to professional progression will help them navigate this challenging environment and feel more valued.”

For the council, leader Bella Sankey 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.”