Introduction to Single Status 2007

Single Status is the way the council will ensure all staff get equal pay for work of equal value.

In line with other local authorities in England, Wolverhampton City Council is carrying out the 1997 Single Status agreement which was negotiated by the National Joint Council – the body made up of both employers and trade unions which decides the pay and terms and conditions of employment for over 1.4 million local government services’ workers.

During November 2007, the council aims to introduce:

• A fair and non-discriminatory pay and grading structure for the majority of workers below the grade of chief officer in the council;
• Wherever possible, the same terms and conditions.

The whole process at Wolverhampton has been overseen by the Single Status working group comprising elected members, directors, officers and recognised trade unions. 

Bringing Single Status into force is subject to negotiations with the recognised trade unions – principally UNISON together with GMB and T&GWU. 

In order to achieve single status the Council has:

• Undertaken a comprehensive ‘job evaluation’ exercise to provide a fair and objective basis for setting grades;
• Consulted with employees about terms and conditions through their trade unions.

Most employees are affected. Exceptions to this include teachers, youth workers, craft workers, chief officers and directors who all have different terms and conditions.

Chief officers and directors have already been through their own job evaluation.