Tories threaten to pull out of wage talks with council unions

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Merrick Cockell, the Tory chairman of London Councils, the umbrella body that represents the capital's 33 boroughs, said he was prepared to go it alone after being forced to sign up to a one per cent wage rise next year.

Mr Cockell, the leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, said the capital had only reluctantly agreed to the national pay offer doubling to one per cent. "I should think there'll be a real interest in walking away from national pay bargaining and doing something ourselves," he said. About 40 councils set their own pay and conditions.

A formal proposal to remove London Councils from national pay bargaining carried out by the Local Government Association has not yet been made.

A Unison spokeswoman dismissed Mr Cockell's remarks as "bluster" and said national negotiations were simpler. She said: "Why on earth are they begrudging a small pay rise to their own workforce? The 0.5 per cent pay rise was worth 3p an hour for the worst paid. Even with an increase to 6p an hour, it's hardly a king's ransom."