2026 Pay Negotiations Update
Posted on:
Today your GMB and Unite reps met with the company to begin pay talks.
We presented your pay claim for 2026:
- 6.1% increase on all pay elements
This figure covers the gap left by last year’s below-inflation pay award and this year’s CPI inflation, so members can begin to recover lost spending power.
The claim reflects what you told us in our recent survey. Members responded overwhelmingly that they want the focus this year to be on take-home pay rather than other changes to terms and conditions.
We explained that after three years of below-inflation rises, it’s vital to make up ground and protect living standards. We also shared comparisons showing our claim is reasonable and affordable, with other settlements across the industry often running at similar or higher levels.
The company did not make an offer today. They said they hadn’t expected a pay-only claim, despite us flagging that two weeks ago, and want time to review their position. They’ve asked to reconvene in around two to three weeks.
Next steps:
- We’ll push for an improved pay offer when talks restart.
- We’ll keep you updated and call on you for further input or action if needed.
Thank you to everyone who filled in the pay survey, it made our position clear and helped strengthen the case we put forward today.
In Solidarity,
Your GMB & Unite Negotiating Team