Environment Agency board urged to act on pay
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Referencing the board’s independence, it urges them to disregard the recent Treasury guidance on pay which limits rises to 1-1.5%.
The letter outlines concerns about the agency staff’s ability to deliver its key objectives, highlighting the example of attracting nuclear specialists.
It says: “Salaries have fallen far below the level needed to attract, and there needs to be a substantial increase to recruit and retain effectively”.
The board are advised “the Agency floats on a sea of staff goodwill” and that a recent survey found that half of union members are working more hours than they are paid for.
“Levels of payment to be on stand-by to respond to emergency have fallen well below prevailing levels among Category 1 responders, and the Agency struggles to fill the rotas – which are staffed on a voluntary basis out of hours – to make sure it is properly placed to respond.”
Prospect negotiations officer Kevin Warden said: “This patient committed workforce has limits, and another real term pay cut this year, on top of around 15% real terms loss as a result of the pay cap, would test these.”