UNISON in Cadent Pay Consultation 21/22

Dear UNISON member  - Cadent have tabled a final pay offer which UNISON is consulting you on. The highlights of the offer are as follows;

• A 2% base pay increase (including allowances) for all Cadent Staff grades (covered by the handbook which includes Cadent S) backdated to July 2021 – This was improved from an original company offer of 1.5%
• In addition, a further lump sum payment of £750 (non-consolidated meaning a one off payment which does not go onto your salary) payable in Feb 2022 – This was improved from the original offer because it did not include any lump sum payment
• A £54.70 bank holiday payment for all Cadent S workers who work (any time) on any bank holiday. This does not replace and is in addition to, any local incentive payments which are discretionary and paid separate to handbook arrangements.  This was improved from a company position of no additional payments, although we will continue to push for harmonised treatment for all staff on this matter in future claims.
• The choice for Cadent S staff to withdraw from annualised hours rules – this will importantly mean all hours worked over 37p/w will immediately become available as overtime and staff will be eligible for the applicable shift allowance depending on shift pattern worked (please see handbook for terms) A formal consultation for the removal of annualised hours altogether will commence in March 2022. This was improved from a company position of committing only to a review into the annualised hours rules and applications

The UNISON national sector committee for Cadent does not feel it can recommend the offer as it does not reflect the significant increase in living costs that members are experiencing, but we are also aware that the offer before you; is significantly improved, is a final offer and is therefore the best that can be achieved via negotiation.  If members were to reject the offer, we would need to move into a dispute with Cadent and hold an industrial action ballot