By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 19:03, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

THERE are winners and losers in Copeland Council’s new pay structure – including a minority who will be paid less for doing more hours.

Using the local government job evaluation scheme, the council has proposed a new pay and grading structure for its 400 staff. At either extreme, a few employees will see a pay rise of several thousand pounds, while two will have theirs cut by as much as £2,000.

Employees were being given their individual outcomes yesterday (Wednesday). If the proposals are accepted then salaries for 48 per cent of the staff will rise; for 46 per cent the salary will stay the same; and six per cent (15 employees in total) would see their pay cut.

As part of the new structure, all employees are being asked to work a 37-hour week which will see an increase in hours for 54 per cent who currently work 35 hours and 25 minutes.

The deal would cost the council an extra £329,000 a year, funded through planned resources.

The new system uses a points system to determine salary levels.

Other areas being looked at as part of the new structure include leave entitlement, allowances and flexi-time.

A joint steering group of union representatives has been involved in discussions with the council, including Unison, GMB and Unite. It could be the end of the year before a deal is agreed.

Employees who believe their job has been wrongly graded will have three weeks to lodge an appeal. The council will also discuss protection arrangements with staff in order to cushion the affects of any salary reduction. Such employees would not see a sudden drop in pay.

“We want to offer as much support as we can to people in that position,” said human resources manager Len Gleed.

Unions will be balloting their members and released a joint statement saying they agreed with the process and admire the authority for keeping everyone involved.

GMB organiser Kevin Young added: “The council have been as open and transparent as they possibly can be by keeping everyone informed. We are trying to accept a mutually acceptable agreement for all.”

On the subject of some employees being paid less to do more, Mr Young said: “Those people are more than entitled to take their case through the appeals process.”

Copeland’s chief executive, Liam Murphy, said all local authorities have to complete a job evaluation exercise.

“We believe we have put together a very strong package, which will see improved terms and conditions for employees, with an excellent support package for those few employees who will see a decrease in their salary. This package is one of the strongest that has been offered by any Cumbrian authority and reflects Copeland Council’s commitment to its workforce,” he said.