Result of Ballot on NJC Pay Offer for 2025/26

Although the majority of members who took part in the pay ballot voted to reject the 3.2% pay offer the turnout was less than 50%.

GMBs’ National Committee that represents members in Local Government and Schools met on Friday 27^th June to consider the result of the National NJC pay ballot. Given fewer than 50% of members eligible to vote took part in the ballot, the Committee concluded the best initial course of action is for GMB to seek an urgent meeting with the Employer to demand a better offer. 3.2% is real term pay cut and less than what has been offered to other public sector workers, including Teachers who have been offered 4%.

Thank you to all those who left comments as to why you were voting to reject as this provides useful insight and feedback for GMB to use in explaining why members were not satisfied with the 3.2% offer.

GMB will also work with Unison and Unite (the recognised NJC unions) to secure talks with the Employer and will keep you updated with any progress.

GMB appreciates it can be frustrating for those who take part in the ballot and yet still the 50% threshold is not met. When the majority of eligible members take part in a ballot our industrial strength and influence is improved. To try and improve participation in the ballot, would you be interested in becoming a ‘Pay Lead’ for your workplace which would involve encouraging eligible members to have their say on pay by voting in the ballot. If you are interested in this, or in becoming a workplace Rep please contact us at schoolsteamlondon@gmb.org.uk.

Thank you again to all those who took part in this years ballot and we will be in touch again soon.