Category: Barnet Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27 January 2026 Your Choice Barnet care workers demand fair pay, fair terms and access to LGPS — “time to end this injustice”

Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Disability, Local, News, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 January 2026

Your Choice Barnet care workers demand fair pay, fair terms and access to LGPS — “time to end this injustice”

Barnet UNISON has submitted a formal Pay and Terms & Conditions claim to The Barnet Group (TBG) on behalf of workers delivering adult social care through Your Choice Barnet, including staff on YCB contracts and “TBG Flex” contracts.

The union says the claim is aimed at ending a long-running “two-tier workforce”, where care and support workers delivering publicly commissioned services are not on council terms and conditions and do not have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).



What Your Choice Barnet workers are demanding (from 1 April 2026)


The claim, submitted for the 2026/27 period, includes:


PAY


An increase of £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) across pay points/rates


A £15 per hour minimum rate for all staff


Applied consistently to overtime, sleep-ins/unsocial hours payments, enhancements, allowances and other pay-related payments, with no detrimental changes to existing arrangements


TERMS & CONDITIONS


A two-hour reduction in the standard working week with no loss of pay, implemented in a way that protects service users and staffing levels Harmonisation to a standard 36 hour contract


One additional day of annual leave


ENDING THE TWO-TIER WORKFORCE


A commitment to move Your Choice Barnet staff onto equivalent core terms and conditions to Barnet Council/NJC standards


A single, transparent pay structure with clear progression, equality-proofed arrangements, covering all staff including those on TBG Flex contracts


PENSIONS


Access to the LGPS, including a route-map meeting with stakeholders (TBG, Barnet Pension Fund/LBB as administering authority, and UNISON), and no detriment to staff


Barnet UNISON has requested a formal negotiation meeting and has given management four weeks to respond.




“Care workers are being exploited in one of the most expensive cities in the world”


Helen Davies, Barnet UNISON Branch Chair and UNISON SGE representative, said:


“Your Choice Barnet staff provide vital care and support to vulnerable adults, yet many are treated as second-class compared to council employees delivering public services. Keeping care workers outside council terms and conditions and excluding them from the Local Government Pension Scheme is unfair — and it amounts to exploitation of a predominantly low-paid workforce.


“This is London, one of the most expensive cities in the world. People who deliver life-changing care should not be forced to do so on worse terms and without a proper public service pension.


“It’s time to end this injustice. Barnet UNISON’s claim is straightforward: fair pay, fair conditions, and access to LGPS for the care workers who keep services going every day. We are calling on The Barnet Group to negotiate seriously and reach a fair settlement.”


Notes to editors


    

  • Your Choice Barnet delivers adult social care services on behalf of the London Borough of Barnet and is part of The Barnet Group.
    • 

  • Barnet UNISON represents care and support staff across Barnet, including staff employed by The Barnet Group and its subsidiaries.
    • 

  • The claim applies to Your Choice Barnet staff, including those on TBG contracts and “TBG Flex” contracts.
    • 



Contact


For more information, interviews, or to support the campaign:

Barnet UNISON – contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


End. 


2026.01.07 leaflet (YCB)

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27 January 2026  Barnet Homes housing workers demand fair pay, fair terms and access to LGPS — “time to end this injustice”
		
		
 
	
		Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, Solidarity, TBG Flex, Uncategorised, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 January 2026


Barnet Homes housing workers demand fair pay, fair terms and access to LGPS — “time to end this injustice”


Barnet UNISON has submitted a formal Pay and Terms & Conditions claim to The Barnet Group (TBG) on behalf of workers delivering Barnet Homes Housing Services in the London Borough of Barnet.


The claim seeks to end what the union describes as a long-running “two-tier workforce”, where staff providing essential council housing services through the local authority trading company are not on Barnet Council terms and conditions and do not have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).


Barnet UNISON says it believes these are the only housing workers in London delivering council housing services who remain outside council terms and conditions — and that the situation is now untenable in a city facing extreme housing and cost-of-living pressures.




What Barnet Homes housing workers are demanding (from 1 April 2026)


The claim, submitted for the 2026/27 period, includes:


PAY


A pay increase of £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) across pay points/rates


A £15 per hour minimum rate for all staff


Uplifts applied consistently to overtime, enhancements, allowances and other pay-related payments


TERMS & CONDITIONS


A two-hour reduction in the standard working week with no loss of pay


One additional day of annual leave


ENDING THE TWO-TIER WORKFORCE


A commitment to move Barnet Homes staff onto equivalent core terms and conditions to Barnet Council/NJC standards


A single, transparent pay structure with clear progression covering all staff, including those on TBG Flex contracts


PENSIONS


Access to the LGPS, including agreement of a route-map and timetable with relevant stakeholders and no detriment to staff


Barnet UNISON has requested a formal negotiation meeting and has given management four weeks to respond.




“These workers are being exploited in one of the most expensive cities in the world”


Helen Davies, Barnet UNISON Branch Chair and UNISON SGE representative, said:


“Barnet Homes staff deliver vital housing services for residents, yet they are treated as second-class compared to council colleagues. Excluding them from council terms and conditions and the Local Government Pension Scheme is unfair and it has gone on for far too long.


“This is London — one of the most expensive cities in the world — and these workers are being asked to keep services running without the pay, protections and pension that should come with public service work. That is not right.


“It’s time to end this injustice. Our claim is clear: fair pay, fair terms, and access to LGPS for all Barnet Homes housing workers. We are asking The Barnet Group to do the right thing and settle this claim properly.”


Notes to editors


    

  • Barnet UNISON represents workers providing housing services through Barnet Homes, part of The Barnet Group.
    • 

  • The claim covers Barnet Homes staff, including those on TBG contracts and “TBG Flex” contracts.
    • 

  • The union is calling on housing workers to get involved and support the campaign.
    • 



Contact


For more information, interviews, or to support the campaign:

Barnet UNISON – contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


End. 


2026.01.07 leaflet (Barnet Homes) 


 


 

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Barnet Homes (Housing Services): UNISON pay & terms claim being submitted next week
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Barnet UNISON is preparing to submit a collective Pay & Terms and Conditions claim for Barnet Homes (Housing Services) staff for 2026/27.


Important: as of today, Wednesday 21 January, the claim has not been submitted.

We are giving members advance notice so you’re clear on the timetable and what happens next.


What’s happening and when


    

  • Next step: Barnet UNISON will submit the claim to management next Tuesday, 26 January, ahead of the scheduled JNCC meeting.
    • 

  • After the JNCC: We will share the full details of the claim with members and publish an update on the outcomes of the meeting and next steps.
    • 



Why UNISON is doing this


Members have been clear that we need a serious, collective push on pay, terms and conditions and fair treatment for the Barnet Homes (Housing Services) workforce. UNISON is acting on that instruction by bringing forward a formal claim for 2026/27.


What you can expect from UNISON


    

  • A clear members’ briefing after the JNCC meeting on 26 January
    • 

  • A summary of management’s response and what it means in practice
    • 

  • Next-step plans, including how members can support the claim and strengthen our negotiating position
    • 



What you can do now


    

  • Make sure your contact details are up to date so you receive the members’ briefing.
    • 

  • Encourage colleagues in Barnet Homes (Housing Services) to join UNISON and get involved — the stronger our membership, the stronger our leverage.
    • 



We’ll publish the claim details and a members’ update immediately after the JNCC meeting on Tuesday 26 January.


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Your Choice Barnet (Adult Social Care): UNISON pay & terms claim being submitted next week
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Barnet Group, Local, News, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Barnet UNISON is preparing to submit a collective Pay & Terms and Conditions claim for the Your Choice Barnet (Adult Social Care) workforce for 2026/27.


Important: as of today, Wednesday 21 January, the claim has not been submitted.

We are giving members advance notice now so everyone understands the timetable and what happens next.


What’s happening and when


    

  • Next step: Barnet UNISON will submit the claim to management next Tuesday, 26 January, in line with the scheduled JNCC meeting.
    • 

  • After the JNCC: We will share the full details of the claim with members and publish an update on management’s response and next steps.
    • 



Why UNISON is doing this


    

  • Members across Your Choice Barnet have been clear that we need a serious, collective push on pay, terms and conditions and fair treatment for staff delivering adult social care on behalf of Barnet Council. UNISON is acting on that instruction by bringing forward a formal claim for 2026/27.
    • 

  • This is also about protecting the service: fair pay and decent conditions are essential for recruitment and retention, continuity of care and the quality of support for service users.
    • 



What you can expect from UNISON


    

  • A clear members’ briefing after the JNCC meeting on 26 January
    • 

  • A summary of management’s response and what it means for staff
    • 

  • Next-step plans, including how members can support the claim and strengthen our negotiating position
    • 



What you can do now


    

  • Make sure your contact details are up to date so you receive the members’ briefing.
    • 

  • Talk to your colleagues and encourage them to join UNISON — the stronger our membership, the stronger our leverage.
    • 



We’ll publish the claim details and a members’ update immediately after the JNCC meeting on Tuesday 26 January.


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Equal Pay Update 2026: Complete Your Case Form & Register for Our AGM (Tue 24 February, from 4pm)
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Equal Pay, Local, Schools, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Happy New Year to all Barnet UNISON members.


We’re starting 2026 with real momentum on our Equal Pay campaign. More than 550 UNISON members have now completed the Equal Pay case form — an outstanding achievement and a strong sign of the collective determination of our membership.


But there is more to do.


To protect every member’s position and ensure nobody misses out, we need to make sure all eligible members complete the Equal Pay case form, even if you’re not sure whether the claim applies to you.




Why completing the case form matters


Many members have told us they didn’t think the Equal Pay issue applied to them. However, from conversations with hundreds of staff across the council and related workplaces, it’s clear that people’s roles, patterns of work, job histories, and pay arrangements can differ — and that can affect whether an Equal Pay claim applies.


Completing the case form ensures UNISON has the information needed to assess your situation properly and progress the case.


Is there a deadline?


There is no formal deadline at the moment.

However, that could change quickly, depending on how the process develops. The safest approach is: complete your case form as soon as possible.




Barnet UNISON AGM: Guest speaker on Equal Pay


To help members understand what Equal Pay claims can look like in practice — and what happens when they are resolved — we’re pleased to announce a guest speaker at our AGM:


Barnet UNISON AGM

Tuesday 24 February

From 4pm onwards

(Details of venue/online access will be confirmed in the registration information.)


Guest Speaker: David Hughes (Birmingham UNISON)


We will be joined by David Hughes, Birmingham UNISON and SGE representative for the West Midlands on UNISON’s Local Government Service Group.


David is one of many workers who benefited from the Equal Pay award in Birmingham, where thousands of council staff received payments. He will speak from direct experience about:


    

  • How Equal Pay claims are resolved
    • 

  • How payments are calculated and made
    • 

  • What members can expect during the process
    • 

  • A Q&A session so you can ask your questions directly
    • 



This is a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand from someone who has been through an Equal Pay process and received an Equal Pay payment.




What you need to do now (two actions)


✅ 1) Register for the AGM (required to attend)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/barnet-unison-annual-general-meeting-2026-hybrid-tickets-1974770786582?aff=oddtdtcreator


 


✅ 2) To request your Equal Pay case form

Email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


Need help?


If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, or you need support completing the case form, please contact Barnet UNISON and we will help.


Contact the branch at contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


Let’s keep the momentum going. Completing the case form and attending the AGM are two simple actions that strengthen our collective case and help ensure members don’t miss out.


In solidarity,


Barnet UNISON


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barnet UNISON pushes for immediate London Living Wage uplift — “our members can’t wait six months”
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, News, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			


London, 31 October 2025 — Barnet UNISON is relentlessly pursuing the urgent implementation of the new London Living Wage (LLW) of £14.80 for all workers delivering Barnet Council services — now, not in six months’ time.


The union has formally written to every Council officer responsible for outsourced contracts — including Cleaning (Norse), Social Care (Your Choice Barnet), Security (Blue Nine), Parking Enforcement (APCOA), and Schools Catering (ISS) — urging them to instruct their contractors to uplift pay with immediate effect in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s new London rate.


Helen Davies, Branch Chair, Barnet UNISON, said:

“Delaying the £14.80 London Living Wage until April means months more of avoidable hardship for low-paid staff who keep services running for Barnet residents. Our members are already making impossible choices — cutting back on heating, skipping meals, falling behind on rent — in one of the most expensive capital cities in the world. The uplift is needed now to protect health, dignity and service quality.”


Barnet UNISON says the case for immediate action is overwhelming. Households are still facing elevated energy bills, rising rents, and ongoing increases in food prices. Implementing £14.80 now would provide urgent relief, help retain experienced staff, reduce agency churn, and protect continuity of frontline services across Barnet.


Barnet UNISON’s call to action


    

  • Apply £14.80 LLW now across all relevant contracts and subcontractors.
    • 

  • Confirm a short, time-bound implementation plan and back-pay arrangements.
    • 

  • Work with Barnet UNISON to resolve any operational barriers quickly.
    • 



ENDS


Media contact:

Email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


Notes to editors:


    

  • The Living Wage Foundation announced the 2025–26 London Living Wage of £14.80 on 22 October 2025 and expects accredited employers to implement as soon as possible (deadline 1 May 2026). (livingwage.org.uk)
    • 

  • Energy bills: Ofgem’s price cap for 1 Oct–31 Dec 2025 is £1,755 for a typical dual-fuel household — up on the previous quarter and still well above pre-crisis levels. (Ofgem)
    • 

  • Rents: ONS reports UK private rents up about 5–6% year-on-year; London’s rental inflation was 5.3% in the 12 months to September 2025. Average rent remains highest in London. (Office for National Statistics)
    • 

  • Food prices: The annual inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages was 4.5% in September 2025 (ONS). Prices are still rising year-on-year even as the rate eases. (Office for National Statistics)
    • 

  • Cost of living in London: Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking places London 8th globally, underscoring persistent affordability pressures in the capital. (Mercer)
    • 


			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Barnet UNISON urges The Barnet Group to implement new London Living Wage now
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			


London, 31 October 2025 — Barnet UNISON has written to The Barnet Group (TBG) calling for the immediate implementation of the new London Living Wage of £14.80 for all eligible staff, rather than waiting until 1 April.


Barnet UNISON says the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to hit low-paid workers hard and that bringing in the uplift now would provide urgent relief for key frontline staff who support Barnet residents every day.


Helen Davies Barnet UNISON Branch Chair, said:

“Delaying the £14.80 London Living Wage until April means months more of avoidable hardship for the lowest-paid staff in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our members are telling us they’re choosing between heating and eating. Implementing the new rate now is the right, fair and practical step—and it will also help retain experienced staff and sustain services for residents.”


In its letter to TBG’s Chief Executive, Barnet UNISON requests:


    

  • Applying the £14.80 London Living Wage with the next available payroll; and
    • 

  • A clear timetable to uplift relevant contracted workers within TBG’s control in line with Living Wage commitments.
    • 



Barnet UNISON has asked to meet urgently with TBG to agree the implementation plan.


ENDS


Media contact:

Barnet UNISON contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


Notes to editors:


    

  • The London Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly rate based on the real cost of living in the capital.
    • 

  • The new rate is £14.80, up from £13.85.
    • 

  • Barnet UNISON represents workers across The Barnet Group delivering housing and support services to residents.
    • 



 

			

		

		
		


	
		
			
	

		
		
Barnet launches major Equal Pay action spanning council and LATCs — ‘EasyCouncil’ faces first London-wide test case
		
		
 
	
		Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, National, News, Schools, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			
PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release: 


Barnet launches major Equal Pay action spanning council and LATCs — ‘EasyCouncil’ faces first London-wide test case


Barnet UNISON has today submitted three collective grievances triggering a borough-wide Equal Pay claim across the London Borough of Barnet, The Barnet Group (TBG) and Barnet Education & Learning Service (BELS) — the council’s two wholly owned arm’s-length companies (LATCs).


Branded “EasyCouncil” during its peak outsourcing years, Barnet now faces an Equal Pay challenge that cuts across council services and its LATCs, echoing the ground-breaking 2023 Glasgow decision confirming that local authority trading companies are not a shield against Equal Pay liability where the council is the single source capable of rectifying pay inequality.


Helen Davies, Branch Chair, Barnet UNISON, said:

“Women in Barnet’s schools, care and community services have waited long enough. We’ve now filed Equal Pay grievances with all three employers because the evidence is overwhelming — and because LATC status doesn’t make discrimination disappear. If Southampton, Sheffield and Birmingham can settle multi-million-pound claims, so can Barnet.”


Barnet UNISON’s case covers multiple strands including task-and-finish uplifts, Christmas bonus payments, DLO payments, and pension access issues for LATC staff. The union is seeking a negotiated, borough-wide settlement framework that treats council and LATC workers consistently, rather than siloed processes.


A fast-growing national picture


Barnet’s action lands as councils across Britain confront Equal Pay liabilities:


    

  1. Southampton City Council – Settlement agreed (July 2025) for ~800 staff; task-and-finish disparity.
    2. 

  2. Sheffield City Council – Agreement (Sept 2025): ~3,600 staff / ~260 roles; ~£36m redress.
    3. 

  3. Birmingham City Council – Framework to settle (Dec 2024) following Section 114.
    4. 

  4. Coventry City Council – ~680 claims ongoing (2025); >£30m exposure; ET listed Nov 2026.
    5. 

  5. Brighton & Hove City Council – Claims lodged/flagged (2024–25), thousands indicated.
    6. 

  6. Bradford MDC – Legal action launched (July 2025) for female-dominated roles.
    7. 

  7. Knowsley Council – Union warns of “tens of millions” exposure (Oct 2025).
    8. 

  8. Leeds City Council – Unions inviting case forms (2024–25).
    9. 

  9. Derby City Council – Ongoing disputes; >£1.5m spent defending cases.
    10. 

  10. BCP Council – Corporate papers flag equal-pay litigation risk (2024–25).
    
Scotland:
    11. 

  11. Glasgow City Council – Continuing settlements/updates (2023–25); key LATC precedent.
    12. 

  12. Fife Council – Tribunal success reported (July 2022); further claims lodged.
    13. 

  13. Falkirk, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire – Equal-pay disputes/strikes (2024).
    14. 



Helen Davies added:

“This could be the first of several London Equal Pay cases. Barnet helped pioneer outsourcing; now it should lead on putting pay equality right — across the council and the companies it owns.”


Call to the employer


Barnet UNISON has invited the Council, TBG and BELS to enter a Memorandum of Understanding for structured negotiations covering data disclosure, scope, timelines and remedies, so staff don’t wait years for justice.


Media contact:

Barnet UNISON – contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


Notes to editors:


    

  • Recent settlements referenced include Southampton (UNISON South East), Sheffield (Sheffield City Council), and Birmingham (City Council/union statements).
    • 

  • Barnet UNISON represents staff employed by Barnet Council, The Barnet Group, and BELS.
    • 

  • The Glasgow (2023) Equal Pay outcome reinforced that council-owned LATCs can fall within the single-source test for Equal Pay liability.
    • 


			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
PRESS RELEASE: Equal Pay Momentum Builds in Barnet – Care and School Staff Sign Up in Their Hundreds
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, National, TBG Flex, Trades Dispute, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			
 




Barnet UNISON has revealed a surge of support for its Equal Pay campaign, with hundreds of care workers and school support staff already signed up and hundreds more contacting the branch to join the claim.


Across Barnet’s schools, care homes, and community services, women workers are taking action to protect their legal rights to equal pay.

UNISON says that the growing number of sign-ups shows the level of frustration among staff who have seen their real pay fall while the cost of living continues to rise.


Helen Davies, Branch Chair of Barnet UNISON, said:

“Our members have seen what’s happened in Southampton and Sheffield — ordinary council workers winning millions in back pay.

Now Barnet’s care workers and school staff are saying loud and clear: we deserve fairness too.”


The Equal Pay campaign has seen record engagement, with UNISON visiting schools and care workplaces across the borough to help staff complete their case forms and understand their rights under the Equality Act.


Helen Davies added:

“This is just the beginning.

Every week more members are signing up because they know that in a cost-of-living crisis, no one can afford to miss out on what they’re owed.”


📅 Equal Pay Surgeries: Every Tuesday in October

📍 UNISON Office, Colindale

📧 contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


END. 


 


 


 


 


 

			

		

		
		


	

			  

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