Energy

Posted on: 16 September 2026

Dear member,

We started pay talks with Cadent back in March. The company was very keen on doing a five-year deal like the CPIH inflation linked agreement in Wales & West Utilities. This is not something we wanted but we said we would consider a shorter deal if there was a higher percentage up front and the overall proposal closed the gap between Legacy and Cadent G.

Discussions took place on a potential three-year deal and progress was being made, though we still had reservations about a long-term deal and the percentages being offered. The company then, surprisingly pulled the offer and reverted to a two-year deal.

The percentage pay increase in the final offer is the same for both Cadent G & Legacy. We stressed throughout negotiations the importance of closing the gap between Cadent G and Legacy but Cadent would not move on this point.

Part of our pay claim was for an increase in annual leave, and this was part of the staff pay agreement. The company said that it cost more to cover field force and it is harder to cover the rota’s so they didn’t want to offer field force an extra days leave but instead they would offer a cash lump sum which employees could use to buy extra holiday if they wished.

Please see below a summary of the Cadent pay offers for Cadent G and Legacy field force.

Cadent G - Two-year Final Pay Offer

Year 1 backdated from 1st July 2026.

• 4.5% on basic rates and allowances.
• £300 lump sum payment.
• Xmas Day & New Year’s Eve payments increase from £100 to £150.
• Bank holiday payment increases from £48 to £72.

Year 2 payable from 1st July 2027

• CPIH inflation (12-month average) + 0.5% on basic rates and allowances.

Legacy – Two-year Final Pay Offer

Year 1 backdated from 1st July 2026.

• 4.5% on basic rates and allowances.
• £300 lump sum payment.
• Xmas Day & New Year’s Eve payments increase from £100 to £150.
• Year 2 payable from 1st July 2027
• CPIH inflation (12-month average) + 0.5% on basic rates and allowances.

The headline increase of 4.5% is in line with the pay increase negotiated for Cadent Staff and is at the higher end of pay offers within the energy sector. The current rates of inflation are CPIH 3.3%, RPI 3.4%, CPI 3.1%. So, overall, the percentage pay offer for year 1 is above inflation and better than most pay rises in the sector.

We have reached the end of negotiations with Cadent. The company has made a final two year pay offer. We believe it’s important to put this offer to GMB members, so you can have your say.

We will be conducting separate workplace ballots for Cadent G and Legacy field force members. Further details will follow.

If you’re not a member of GMB Union and you would like to join, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In solidarity,

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 4 August 2026

Dear member

Cadent have started to fit more vans with the Samsara system to replace Masternaut.

Like the Masternaut system, outward-facing cameras are being installed to the vans.

After discussion with GMB, Cadent has moved away from inward facing cameras. This has been replaced with an in-cab alert system. This system is not yet live.

Your GMB Senior Reps have been in negotiations with Cadent around the implementation and progress has been made. We are now in a position to call a National AOF meeting in early September in order to put the policy to GMB Reps.

If you’re not a member of GMB Union and you would like to join, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 10 July 2026

Dear member

Thank you to GMB members for taking the time to vote in the pay ballot. The papers have been counted, and the result is as follows

89% Accept

11% Reject

We’ve informed Cadent of the ballot result and asked them to confirm when the pay rise and back pay will be paid.

If you’re not yet a GMB member and you want to have a say on your pay and terms and conditions, then you can join GMB Union online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In Solidarity,

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 8 July 2026

Dear member

If you are a Tupe Staff employee, you will have received notification from Cadent that you will receive a 3.5% pay increase from 1^st July which is in line with what other non-collectively bargained staff will receive.

If the collectively bargained pay offer negotiated by GMB and Unison is accepted (ballot closes this Friday 10th July) Tupe staff employees will receive the additional 1% pay rise backdated from 1^st July 2026.

We're currently in talks with Cadent about extending collective bargaining to cover Tupe Staff employee's terms and conditions, and progress is being made.

If you're not yet a GMB member and you want to join our campaign for better terms and conditions, you can do so online at www.gmborg.uk/join

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 26 June 2026

Cadent Gas –  Field Force Pay Claim Update

Dear member,

Legacy field force and Cadent G pay negotiations are ongoing and the next meeting with Cadent is scheduled for 1st July 2026.

So far, the negotiations have been constructive, but we haven’t got to a point where we have an offer to bring back to members. When complete and balloted on, the pay increase will be backdated from 1st July 2026.

We are currently balloting Cadent Staff members on a two year deal, 4.5% this year and CPIH inflation + 0.5% for year two. The staff negotiations are separate to the field force negotiations but do have a bearing on negotiations for Legacy & Cadent G.

Hopefully, following the meeting on 1st July we will be able to give you a more comprehensive update on the pay offer from Cadent.

If you are not yet a GMB Union member and you want a say on your pay, you can join GMB online at www.gmb.org.uk.

In solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 27 April 2026

CADENT GAS
PENSIONS EXPRESSION OF WISH FORMS

Dear member,

At a recent meeting with Cadent we were discussing the Cadent pension scheme and the number of scheme members that have completed an Expression of Wish form is low.

We know that death in service is not something any of us wants to think about, but if it did happen, then having completed the expression of wish form will make sure the 8 times salary goes to the person/people you want it to.

So, if you’re a Cadent pension scheme member, please make sure you complete an Expression of Wish form. It’s a quick and easy process.

Cadent has sent round a Standard Life poster with a QR code link so you can complete your expression of wish.

Standard Life Poster – Link -http://www.gmb.org.uk/bobs-you...

GMB Union campaigning for good pension provision. You can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 9 April 2026

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Samsara Update

Dear member,

On 2^nd April an e-mail was sent from Cadent to six members of the Field Force regarding the installation of the new Samsara telematics system into their vehicles.

The original letter was an outdated version and therefore the content was factually incorrect and extremely confusing. When hearing of this communication the GMB National Officer and the National Reps notified senior management of the error and discussions carried on into the weekend when it was decided that the roll out would be suspended until a meeting on Tuesday 7^th April between both parties to rectify the issue.

The meeting was concluded and the correct version of the accompanying letter was agreed upon.

This letter is attached for everyone to read and will also be circulated by the Company.

Talks on the Samsara system have been held between Cadent and GMB over several months and have been positive and productive. Cadent has moved away from inward facing cameras and talks are now about in cab alerts.

These discussions are ongoing, and we hope to be in a position in the near future to be able to give you further updates.

If you’re not yet a member of GMB Union and you would like to join, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 19 March 2026

Cadent Gas – Cadent G & Legacy field force 2026 Pay Claims

Dear Member

Thanks to GMB members for taking part in the recent pay surveys, the results of which we discussed at GMB National AOF. This helped us formulate the pay claims for Cadent G & Legacy GMB members.

We submitted the pay claims and the first meeting with the company took place on Wednesday 18^th March 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for 7^th April when we expect the company to come back with a pay offer.

Summary of the Pay Claims

Legacy Field Force

a. A one year pay deal.

b. A 6% increase on basic pay rates and flow through rates.

c. An increase in employers pension contribution and pensionable pay to include all allowances.

d. One day’s extra annual leave.

e. An increase in additional hours payments.

Cadent G

a. A one year pay deal.

b. A 7% increase on basic pay rates and flow through rates.

c. An increase in the onerous payments and review of the onerous hours window.

d. An increase in bank holiday payments.

e. An increase in employers pension contribution and pensionable pay to include all allowances.

f. One day’s extra annual leave.

As negotiations progress, we’ll keep you updated.

If you are not yet a GMB member and want to join the GMB campaign for better pay and conditions, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join or complete the form overleaf and return it to your GMB workplace representative.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 9 March 2026

CADENT GAS STAFF

2026 Pay Claim Bulletin

Dear member

Thank you to all GMB members for completing the recent pay survey. This has enabled us to draw up the pay claim with colleagues in Unison.

The 2026 pay claim has been submitted to Cadent and the first meeting with management is on 12^th March 2026.

Summary of the Pay Claim

The pay claim seeks several key improvements, including:

1. A substantial pay increase to base pay and all related allowances
2. Additional annual leave entitlement.
3. Improvements in Bonus
4. Increased employer pension contributions
5. Contractual allowances / payments to be included in pensionable pay
6. Increase in standby payments
7. TUPE employees to receive the negotiated pay rise
8. TUPE employees to be included in the Cadent Staff bonus scheme

Further dates for Pay Negotiations are in the diary, and we will keep you informed of developments.

If you are not yet a GMB member and want to join the GMB campaign for better pay in Cadent, then you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 4 February 2026

4 February 2026

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Inward Facing Cameras

Dear member

Since the survey on inward facing cameras was completed, we have had several meetings with the company, and a national GMB reps’ meeting.

The united and unanimous decision of the national AOF is to oppose the installation of inward facing cameras. This was reemphasised to senior management when we met them recently.

We will continue to engage with the company on ways to improve safety, but there are better and more proportionate ways of doing this, other than through the constant monitoring of employees by inward facing cameras.

We will keep you updated following any future meetings with management.

If you're not yet a member of GMB Union and you want take part in this campaign you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join 

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 14 January 2026

14 January 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Field Force ERO Drivers - Voluntary Redundancies

Dear members,

As part of its RIIO3 cost saving exercise, Cadent is asking Field Force ERO drivers whether they wish to take voluntary redundancy.

This is not a compulsory redundancy process. It is entirely up to ERO drivers whether they wish to volunteer or not.

The terms being offered are more than the statutory minimum, but less than in the Cadent Handbook.

Cadent says is does not know how many redundancies they want or what new ERO driver structure they want.

They will decide this when they know how many drivers have applied for voluntary redundancy and consulted GMB on the redundancies and the new ERO driver structure.

If you require any advice or assistance throughout the consultation period, please speak to your GMB workplace rep.

If you are not yet a GMB Union member and want to join, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join 

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 13 November 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Inward Facing Camera Survey Results

Dear member

Thank you for taking part in the GMB survey. We had a really good response across the networks and here are the results for your consideration. We have also sent a copy to Cadent management, so they are aware of the strength of feeling from GMB members on this issue.

INWARD FACING CAMERA RESULTS

Would you be happy to have technology like this in the cab?

1% Yes

98% No

1% I’m not sure, I need more information

Are you happy at the thought of inward facing cameras?

1% Yes

99% No

Would the introduction of this equipment make you consider your employment with Cadent?

65% Yes

8% No

27% Maybe

Would you be prepared to take any form of industrial action based on your concerns?

93% Yes

7% No

Comments

We also asked GMB members to if they had any concerns about having this technology in your cab, what are they? Lots of members took the time to answer this question and below is a summary of the responses:

• Invasion of privacy.
• Will add undue stress.
• Distracted enough on a daily basis by supervisors and dispatchers when we’re driving.
• Constant stress of being monitored whilst driving.
• Feels like there is no trust between employer and employee.
• Would not feel comfortable being watched when I’m driving or sitting in the cab.
• Increased stress and anxiety.
• Will be used as a weapon to target individuals.
• Don’t’ want to be watched, it will put unnecessary pressure on me.

• Don’t want to be spied on.
• Will distract me from driving because I will feel I am being watched.
• Make me feel nervous when driving.
• Personal information being recorded.
• Just an excuse to watch us.
• Better technology available to watch us.
• No advantage to have them spying on me. Anxiety will go up.
• I will look for another job.
• Leads to further lack of trust with the company.
• Cab is the pace where we have unpaid lunch break. Don’t want to be watched.
• Don’t want AI monitoring.
• Reduce concentration and job satisfaction.
• GDPR.
• Are they going to fit them to company cars?
• Stick to beat us with.
• No trust in staff.
• Will cause discomfort and anxiety.
• Constant fear of being scrutinised for doing even the smallest thing wrong.
• Damage morale and job satisfaction.
• Should be promoting a culture of responsibility rather than surveillance.
• Negative mental and emotional impact.
• Reduce concentration.
• Increase stress and fatigue.
• Intrusive.
• Damages professionalism.
• We are tracked in enough ways without having a camera in our face.
• Feeling watched all day will add to mental strain.

The issue of privacy came up multiple times, as did having to use the van to eat lunch on unpaid meal breaks, taking calls from dispatch whilst driving and the stress of being constantly watched.

Again, thank you for taking part in the survey, we think the results show what a negative impact inward facing cameras would have on the health, wellbeing and morale of Cadent field force.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 10 November 2025

CADENT GAS STAFF

REDUNDANCIES

Dear member

Yet again, Cadent are making redundancies. We had no prior notice to this happening; it has come out of the blue.

GMB has made clear to Cadent that more redundancies amongst staff will be seen as a kick in the teeth and have a terrible effect on staff morale, especially throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The GMB is opposed to these redundancies, which we see as short-sighted and unnecessary.

The final determination from Ofgem does not come out until December and yet, following the voluntary redundancy programme earlier this year and the previous two “Fit For The Future” reorganisations in 2023 and 2024, the company is putting the same and more people through the uncertainty and distress. Cadent has lost sight of the people impact. We will be making this clear to senior management and Ofgem.

If you are affected by Cadent's proposals GMB will be shortly organising a members meeting. Please make sure you ask questions of management and contact your local GMB staff rep or GMB regional organiser for advice and guidance.

If you're not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 19 September 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

GMB PAY 2025 – BALLOT RESULTS

Dear member

Thank you to GMB members for taking part in the field force pay ballots. The ballots have closed, and the results are as follows:

Legacy

71% Accept

29% Reject

Cadent G

65% Accept

35% Reject

We have informed the company that GMB members have accepted the pay offers and asked them to confirm when the increase and back pay will be in members’ pay packets.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 12 September 2025

Inward Facing Cameras (SAMSARA)

Dear member

Contrary to rumours, GMB has “not agreed” to Inward Facing Cameras being fitted to vehicles.

Fitting Inward facing cameras is a very contentious issue, and we know the strength of opposition to inward facing cameras among GMB members.

A meeting has been arranged with the company for 24^th September in Ansty and we report back what happens at the meeting, and if necessary arrange a National AOF meeting.

If you’re not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf and return it to your GMB workplace rep. We’re stronger when everyone’s a member.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 19 June 2025

Cadent Gas Staff Pay Ballot Result

Dear member

Thank you to GMB members for taking part in the pay ballot. We had a good turnout, and the result is as follows

84% Accept

16% Reject

We have informed the company that GMB members have accepted the 4% pay offer.

We have asked management to confirm when the increase and the back pay (from 1st July 2025) will be paid.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union and you want a say in your workplace then you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 23 May 2025

CADENT GAS STAFF

FINAL PAY OFFER 2025

Dear Member

Over the past couple of months, we have met with Cadent to negotiate on this year’s pay.

The GMB pay claim was for 6% and for allowances to be made pensionable.

The initial offer from the company was 3%, which we rejected because it was lower than the rate of inflation and other pay deals in the energy sector.

Cadent improved the offer to 3.5%, but said there was little scope to improve the offer.

Again, we rejected the offer as it still fell short of members’ aspirations.

A further meeting has taken place, and the company has come back with a final offer of 4% pay increase on basic rates and allowances, which we feel is a good offer and one which we can recommend to members.

The new 4% offer is in line with those in the energy sector and inflationary rates.

GMB will be balloting members on the final pay offer.

Please make sure your membership details are up to date as we will be conducting an electronic pay ballot.

If you are not a member of GMB Union and you want a say on your pay, you can join GMB Union online at www.gmb.org.uk

Posted on: 5 March 2025

CADENT GAS STAFF

2025 Pay Claim

Dear member

GMB & Unison have submitted a joint union pay claim for Cadent Staff & Cadent S members to the company after taking into consideration the results of the pay surveys and meetings with senior GMB reps.

Key highlights from the surveys are:

• Significant majority of members expressed concern about the cost of living.
• Significant number of members told us that their current salary only covers the basics.
• Many members feel unrewarded for what they do.
• Increasing number of members are complaining about workload and morale.

Summary of the Pay Claim

a) A one year pay deal.

b) A 6% increase on basic pay rates and flow through rates and allowances.

c) Pensionable pay to include all contractual allowances.

In submitting the pay claims we were also mindful of inflation, pay increases in the energy sector, the labour market, and Cadent’s profitability and ability to pay.

The first pay meeting with the company was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 4th March, but this was cancelled by management because they wanted more time to consider our pay claims. The first meeting is now in the diary for Thursday 13th March.

We will keep you informed of any developments

If you’re not yet a member of GMB Union and you want to have a say on your pay, you can join GMB at www.gmb.org.uk/join.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 5 March 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

2025 Pay Claims – Legacy & Cadent G

Dear member

GMB has submitted the pay claims for Legacy & Cadent G field force to the company after taking into consideration the results of the pay surveys and a meeting of the GMB National AOF reps

Summary of the Pay Claims

Legacy Field Force

a. A one year pay deal.

b. A 6% increase on basic pay rates and flow through rates.

c. Pensionable pay to include all contractual allowances.

d. One day’s extra annual leave.

e. An increase in additional hours payments.

Cadent G

a. A one year pay deal.

b. A 6% increase on basic pay rates and flow through rates.

c. An increase in the onerous hour’s window and/or a flex band payment.

d. Pensionable pay to include all contractual allowances.

e. One day’s extra annual leave.

In submitting the pay claims we were also mindful of inflation, pay increases in the energy sector, the labour market and Cadent’s profitability and ability to pay.

The first pay meeting with the company was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 4^th March but this was cancelled by management because they wanted more time to consider our pay claims. The first meeting is now in the diary for Thursday 13^th March.

We will keep you informed of any developments.

If you’re not yet a member of GMB Union and you want to have a say on your pay, you can join GMB at www.gmb.org.uk

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 3 March 2025

CADENT GAS STAFF

Voluntary Redundancies

Dear member

You will have received notification from Cadent that they have started redundancy consultation across the Staff, TUPE, Management, and Future Talent populations. Field Force are excluded from the redundancy consultation.

These proposals have come out of the blue. Cadent have said they wish to reduce headcount and do this by seeking voluntary redundancies, which is to be welcomed. GMB does not want another round of compulsory redundancies.

Cadent have not said how many redundancies they wish to make, although they will have to do so within the statutory timetable and before any redundancies take place.

GMB reps will be attending collective consultation meetings with the company and please speak to your rep if you have any questions or if you want points made in the consultation meetings.

GMB is here to support members throughout this process.

There will be GMB members that will wish to apply for voluntary redundancy, and we will assist with any questions you have, and members can use Unionline for independent legal advice on the settlement agreement.

There will also be GMB members that want to stay at Cadent and will be worried about future workload and job roles. Cadent has regulatory and safety obligations, and they will need to demonstrate in the consultation process that they can meet these requirements. We have made clear to Cadent the impact this consultation will have on staff morale, which according to the recent pay surveys is running low with regards to workloads and staffing levels.

If you are not yet a GMB member you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk.

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 24 February 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

PM26 FATIGUE MANAGEMENT

Dear Members

You may have seen a document that has been circulated by the company entitled PM26.

This has not been agreed by the GMB, and we have asked the company to remove Carl Meader’s name from the document as the GMB has not agreed to this document.

Members will be kept updated on any developments.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union and you want a say on your pay, then you can join online www.gmb.org.uk/join.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 11 October 2024

CADENT GAS STAFF

2024 PAY BALLOT RESULT

Dear member

The GMB pay ballot has now closed and the result is as follows:

Accept – 89%

Reject – 11%

We have informed the company of the ballot result and asked them to confirm when the new rates and back pay will be paid.

Thanks to all GMB members for taking part in the ballot and for supporting the pay rise campaign. Your collective voice makes all the difference.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 30 September 2024

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Cadent Field Force - Legacy & Cadent G Pay

PAY BALLOT RESULTS

Dear member

The Legacy & Cadent G field force pay ballots have now closed. The ballot papers have been counted and the results are as follows:

Cadent G Field Force

59.8% - Accept

40.2% - Reject

Legacy Field Force

83% - Accept

17% - Reject

There was a very good turnout, and we would like to thank all GMB members for taking part in the ballots and for completing the pay surveys many months ago, which formed the backbone of the pay claim. Your participation and views make all the difference when it comes to pay negotiations.

The pay talks went on for many months, the priority was to improve the terms and conditions for Cadent G. We could not achieve everything we wanted; these things take time, but important progress has been made.

It will not be long before we are putting out pay surveys and starting next year’s pay negotiations.

We have informed the company of the results and asked them to confirm when the back pay will be paid. We will be discussing with Cadent dates for the implementation of the shorter working week for Cadent G employees.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 16 August 2024

Dear member

Please see below a link to the GMB Bulletin - Cadent Gas - Field Force Final Pay Offer 2024 Details - dated 16th August 2024, in which we want to provide more detail on the final pay offer and how we got to this point.

Pay negotiations started back in January and the first offer was 2.5%, but other than in increasing sick pay entitlement, no improvement was forthcoming on reducing working hours or shift payments. Cadent wouldn’t entertain the same headline increase for Legacy and Cadent G, and improvements in terms and conditions as this would cost them more than 10%.

We have prioritised improving Cadent G terms & conditions. The offer negotiated gives Cadent G a 6% increase in the hourly rate for working 40 hours per week instead of 42 hours per week. It also aligns the 20 minutes before and after the shift, which works well for Legacy workers over many years. Additional hours above 40 hours will be paid at the new higher rates of pay.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

cadent-bulletin-16aug24-field-force-final-pay-offer-24.pdf

Posted on: 2 August 2024

Dear member,

Steady progress has been made in pay negotiations. The company has made a final offer which we discussed at a GMB national AOF meeting. We believe that significant improvements have been made to Cadent G terms and conditions, which was our aim. The pay offer for legacy field force has improved and is above the headline rate of inflation. The upward equalisation of standby payments for Energy Ops is important step forward. A summary of the final pay offer is as follows:

Cadent G Field Force

1. A reduction in the working week from 42 hours to 40 hours without loss of pay. This increases Cadent G hourly rates by 5%. If agreed, this will be implemented at the earliest opportunity allowing for the necessary changes to rota’s.
2. A further 1% increase in basic rates and allowances from 1^st July 2024.
3. Standby rates to increase by 4.5%.
4. The onerous hours window extended to include all hours between 08:00 Saturday to 08:00 Monday and Public Holidays and paid at 1:33 for rostered hours worked, 1:58 for additional hours.
5. Improvement to sick pay entitlements and new sick absence policy to be agreed and effective on or before 1^st November 2024.

Legacy Field Force

1. A 4.5% increase in basic rates and allowances from 1^st July 2024.
2. Standby rates to increase by 4.5%.

Energy Ops

• The upward equalisation of standby rates to match Emergency & Repair. This is an increase of up to 44% in the standby rate for Legacy & Cadent G Energy Ops employees.

Connections / TUPE Employee

• A 4.5% increase in basic rates from 1^st July 2024.

A lot of progress has been made since the negotiations started. We will be holding depot briefings to go through the details of the offer. We will then ballot members and GMB will be recommending acceptance of the Cadent G & Legacy pay offers.

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 3 July 2024

Dear member

Further pay talks with the company took place Tuesday, 2nd July 2024. The discussions have been constructive, and progress is being made.

We are edging closer towards being able to bring back an offer to members, which importantly includes improvements to Cadent G terms and conditions.

Although negotiations have gone past the pay anniversary, we are hopeful that we are not far off being able to give you full details of an offer.

If you are not currently a member of GMB you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk.

In solidarity,

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 29 April 2024

CADENT GAS STAFF - PAY CLAIM UPDATE

Dear member

We have met with the company on several occasions and GMB negotiating team rejected the company's 3.5% pay offer and we are seeking a revised offer and improvements to Cadent Staff terms and conditions.

We are now in the process of setting up further talks with Cadent and will keep you informed of developments.

If you are not yet a member of GMB union and want a say on your pay, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf and return it to your GMB workplace rep.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 19 April 2024

CADENT FIELD FORCE

Cadent Field Force - Legacy & Cadent G Pay Claim Update

Dear member

We have met with the company on several occasions and held a National AOF on Monday 16th April 2024.

The GMB DOF reps and Cadent G national reps rejected the company's 3.5% offer during negotiations and National AOF have given the GMB negotiating team a mandate to seek an improved offer and improvements to Cadent G terms and conditions.

We are now in the process of setting up further talks with Cadent and will keep you informed of developments.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union and you want a say on your pay, then you can join GMB online at www.gmb.org.uk .

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

GMB

Posted on: 13 February 2024

LEGACY & CADENT G FIELD FORCE

2024 Field Force Pay Talks Update

Dear member

We have had two meetings with the company to discuss the Field Force Legacy and Cadent G pay claims. The anniversary date is not until 1st July, but it is good to get the talks going early.

The negotiations have covered all elements of the claims’ pay and conditions and have been conducted professionally and positively. We do not have anything concrete to bring back to the members yet. Discussions are at an early stage, but we hope we can make progress on the headline pay rise and Cadent G terms and conditions.

The next meeting is scheduled for 21st March, and we will keep you informed of any developments.

If you are not yet a GMB member, and you want a say on your pay, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join.

The more people in GMB, the more influence we have on pay and conditions.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 23 January 2024

Cadent Gas - London IPO / CMO Restructure

Dear member

GMB was given less than 24 hours' notice of a meeting where the company launched the thirty-day consultation on a new structure for London Networks.

At the outset GMB reps complained about the lack of notice provided. Cadent has been planning this for some time and it is unacceptable that so little notice was given for such an important matter.

The company went through the slides, but more information and detail is required. And this is the initial feedback we have received from members. GMB members have lots of questions and at present there are not enough answers.

More meetings have been set up and we will be putting your questions to Cadent and pushing for the answers and get them to change the proposals.

Any questions and views, please speak to your GMB workplace rep, and if you are not yet a member of GMB union, you can join at www.gmb.org.uk

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 7 December 2023

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION SCHEME - UPDATE DECEMBER 2023

For the attention of Cadent Legacy and Staff members only (not Contract G)

Dear member

When Cadent announced the decision to go ahead with their proposal to close the defined benefit pension scheme to future accrual, they said they were going to do this by getting scheme members to sign an opt out. The company had not raised this during the consultation period.

We wrote to the company and Cadent clarified that they were seeking a contractual change, where scheme members would get the transitional payment and arrangements if members agreed to a contractual change that would end future accrual into the pension scheme.

Following legal advice GMB wrote to the company asking why Cadent are seeking to close the scheme to future accrual by contractual means, rather than by amending the scheme rules. And whether this relates to case law and provisos that might prevent closure to future accrual without the approval of two thirds of the affected members by referendum.

In their response, Cadent says the contractual method is a legal route to implement the change to the pension scheme. It commits Cadent to provide transition arrangements, and makes sure employees are enrolled into MyPension.

Cadent said in their response that they are committed to ceasing the future build-up of benefits in the pension scheme and it Is not an option for individuals to remain in the scheme for future build up. They have not specified how they would do this.

In solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 8 November 2023

CADENT FIELD FORCE & STAFF

CADENT GAS – DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION SCHEME – OPT-OUT!

Dear member

The central question that arose from the pensions meeting for GMB members on 7^th November is this,

Why is Cadent asking us to opt out of the pensions scheme?

Asking scheme members to opt out did not come up during the consultation period, and GMB members are rightly concerned about what this means and what the implications might be.

GMB has written to Cadent and asked for urgent answers.

We have also asked them to directly communicate to scheme members and explain what is going on. We believe scheme members have the right to know.

We will keep you informed of developments. If you have any queries, please contact your local GMB workplace representative.

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 3 August 2023

Dear member

If you are a member of the defined benefit pension scheme you will have received a notification on 3^rd August that Cadent are entering into formal consultation with a proposal to close the pension scheme to future accrual.

As we are in the school holidays and many employees and trade union reps will be on annual leave, we asked the company to postpone the consultation. There is also plenty of time from September onwards for Cadent to conduct the consultation. Unfortunately, Cadent have chosen to go ahead.

From the outset of the so-called review, Cadent’s intention has been to close the pension scheme to future accrual. GMB has put forward alternatives which are both affordable and would retain a very good defined benefit pension scheme. These were rejected from the outset by Cadent.

The defined benefit pension scheme is a well-managed fully funded scheme which is in surplus. Cadent made £950 million profit last year and paid its shareholders £350 million in dividends. Cadent can afford to continue contributing to the pension scheme.

This is purely a money grab, and an attack on the terms and conditions of long serving employees who deserve a good pension in retirement.

We have asked Cadent to put more money in the Defined Contribution Scheme, which they can afford to do. This has been rejected, and Cadent employees will rightly ask whether this scheme will come under attack next. Cadent says it has no plans to do so, but they committed to funding the defined benefit scheme when they bought the business.

In the review meetings, Cadent put transitional payments on the table. These sums are significantly lower than paid by NGN and WWU and Cadent should increase these amounts if it’s determined to close the defined benefit scheme to future accrual.

The defined benefit scheme is fully funded and in surplus. Cadent can afford to keep the scheme open and should do the right thing by its employees and maintain the pension scheme.

Please make sure you have your say during the consultation period. The closure needs to be fought.

A joint Trade Union bulletin has also been sent out on the same issue. To read the joint trade union bulletin please click the link below:

https://www.gmb.org.uk/file/joint-pension-comms-3august23pdf

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 14 July 2023

Click below to view the Joint Trade Union bulletin for Cadent Gas Staff

Posted on: 14 July 2023

Dear Member

This is a communication to all GMB union members that we are sending it in advance of a likely move by Cadent Gas to begin a formal 60-day consultation with those workers in the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, announcing its proposed closure.

We have asked the company to delay beginning the formal 60-day consultation, as this will coincide with the key holiday period for many and we have also been told that not all the information we believe is essential to inform the consultation, will be ready. While we have clearly requested a delay, we have not received assurances that this request will be adhered to which is concerning.

No rational justification has been given for closing the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. The total costs of providing this pension are c£7 million and they are reducing and will continue to do so. At the same time Cadent is making some £950 million in profits and paying some £350 million in dividends to its owners, who were fully aware of the group of workers participating in the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme when they purchased Cadent.

While we hope that the company will delay the start of the consultation (which itself would be a positive move), if they do not, please be assured that we will continue to engage with the business and the members on these proposed changes. We will be surveying members, considering all our options, and submitting a full response to the business. We will also be encouraging all workers to respond to the consultation regardless of the pension they receive, as we cannot be sure that the next target of Cadent Greed will not be the DC Scheme which most workers belong too.

In recognition of this fact, we have also asked (during this pensions review) that the business improves further the DC scheme and to ensure any savings the company makes from scheme closure is recycled into workers’ pensions and not more payouts to Macquarie and Co. We believe this would be fair and just, based on the huge commitment and dedication workers at Cadent demonstrate every day!

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 28 June 2023

Dear member

here have been two meetings with Cadent since the company announced they were going to review the Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Scheme.

Further meetings are scheduled for 6th & 7th July.

From the discussions we have had with Cadent, the DB pension scheme is fully funded and in surplus. Cadent Gas is a very profitable company, making hundreds of millions of pounds profit and can afford the employers pension contributions.

There is no regulatory requirement to close the pension scheme, OFGEM have said that pay, conditions and pensions, are factored into the regulatory settlements that Cadent and the other GDN’s receive.

Investment in new technologies, upskilling and customer delivery, should come from profits and shareholders not from employee’s pensions.

The review is not about fairness, as stated by the business they are not looking to increase the benefits in the Defined Contribution (DC) Scheme.

Cadent is only looking to stop future accrual in the DB pension scheme. So essentially, this is a cost saving exercise that will only benefit the profits of Cadent and its shareholders not its employees.

The GMB is opposed to the closure of the DB pension scheme to future accrual and wants to see better pension provision for all employees at Cadent Gas.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 25 May 2023

Dear Members
If you are a member of the defined benefit (DB) pension scheme you will have received an email from Cadent. In this correspondence Cadent says it is going to conduct a formal review of future build up of benefits in the scheme. GMB will actively oppose the closure of future build-up of service and benefits. Cadent is a very profitable company and should honour its pension commitments to its employees in the scheme. There are other companies in the sector, including National Grid & National Gas Transmission which provide DB pension schemes.

In the email the company says it wants to reduce the significant difference in pension scheme provision for Cadent employees. We believe this should be done by levelling up pension benefits, not levelling down. Two tier pay and conditions hasn’t worked in Cadent and stopping pensions benefits won’t do anything to stem the recruitment and retention issues faced across the company.

The next pensions meeting with the company is on 6th June 2023, and we will keep you informed of developments. Please can you let your GMB workplace rep know whether you’re a member of the DB pension scheme.

If you’re not yet a member of GMB union, you can join online JOIN GMB

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 19 April 2023

Dear members

The latest inflation rates for March 2023 were announced on 19^th April 2023 and are set out below. We’ve updated the RPI average chart to show the average over the full 12 months. The headline RPI, CPI, and CPIH inflation rates all fell slightly in March.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that average pay growth is running at 6.9% in the private sector and 5.3% in the public sector.

The Cadent G, Legacy field force & Staff pay agreements for July 2023 are that pay & allowances will increase by the average rate of RPI inflation (retail prices index) from April 2022 to March 2023.

Inflation Rates for February 2023 (announced on 22^nd March 2023)

RPI 13.50%

CPI 10.10%

CPIH 8.90%

RPI Inflation – April to March 2023

April 11.10%

May 11.70%

June 11.80%

July 12.30%

August 12.30%

September 12.60%

October 14.20%

November 14.00%

December 13.40%

January 2023 13.40%

February 13.80%

March 13.50%

12-month average = 12.84%

The percentage pay increase for Legacy Field Force, Cadent G & Staff within the collective bargaining agreements is 12.84% payable from 1^st July 2023.

If you’re not yet a GMB member you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or fill in the form overleaf and give it to your GMB workplace rep. WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 23 February 2023

Dear members

The latest inflation rates for January 2023 were announced on 15th February 2023 and are set out below. We have updated the RPI average chart to show the average over the last ten months. The headline CPI & CPIH inflation rates fell, but the RPI rate remained the same.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also released the latest data for regular pay growth, which was 7.2% in private sector and 3.3% for the public sector.

The Cadent G, Legacy field force & Staff pay agreements for July 2023 are that pay & allowances will increase by the average rate of RPI inflation (retail prices index) from April 2022 to March 2023.

Inflation Rates for January 2023 (announced on 15th February 2023):

RPI 13.4%

CPI 10.1%

CPIH 8.8%

RPI Inflation – April to January 2023

April 11.10%

May 11.70%

June 11.80%

July 12.30%

August 12.30%

September 12.60%

October 14.20%

November 14.00%

December 13.40%

January 2023 13.40%

10-month average = 12.68%

The inflation rates for February 2023 will be released by Office for National Statistics on 22nd March 2023, and we will keep you updated on the running average.

If you’re not yet a GMB member you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join

WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 18 January 2023

Dear members

The latest inflation rates for December 2022 were announced on 18^th January 2023 and are set out below. We’ve updated the RPI average chart to show the average over the last nine months.

The Cadent G, Legacy & Staff pay agreements for July 2023 are that pay & allowances will increase by the average rate of RPI inflation (retail prices index) from April 2022 to March 2023.

Inflation Rates for December 2022 (announced on 18^th January 2023)

RPI 13.4%

CPI 10.5%

CPIH 9.3%

RPI Inflation – April to December 2022

April 11.10%

May 11.70%

June 11.80%

July 12.30%

August 12.30%

September 12.60%

October 14.20%

November 14.00%

December 13.40%

9-month average = 12.60%

The inflation rates for January 2023 will be released by Office for National Statistics on 15^th February 2023, and we will keep you updated on the running average.

If you are not yet a GMB member you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or fill in the form overleaf and give it to your GMB workplace rep.

WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 19 September 2025

CADENT FIELD FORCE

GMB PAY 2025 – BALLOT RESULTS

Dear member

Thank you to GMB members for taking part in the field force pay ballots. The ballots have closed, and the results are as follows:

Legacy

71% Accept

29% Reject

Cadent G

65% Accept

35% Reject

We have informed the company that GMB members have accepted the pay offers and asked them to confirm when the increase and back pay will be in members’ pay packets.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 16 August 2024

Dear member

Please see below a link to the GMB bulletin - Field Force Final Pay Offer 2024, in which we want to provide more detail on the final pay offer and how we got to this point.

Pay negotiations started back in January and the first offer was 2.5%, but other than in increasing sick pay entitlement, no improvement was forthcoming on reducing working hours or shift payments. Cadent wouldn’t entertain the same headline increase for Legacy and Cadent G, and improvements in terms and conditions as this would cost them more than 10%.

We have prioritised improving Cadent G terms & conditions. The offer negotiated gives Cadent G a 6% increase in the hourly rate for working 40 hours per week instead of 42 hours per week. It also aligns the 20 minutes before and after the shift, which works well for Legacy workers over many years. Additional hours above 40 hours will be paid at the new higher rates of pay.

Posted on: 23 December 2022

Dear Member

The GMB Cadent Staff pay ballot has closed, and the result is as follows:

Accept - 93%

Reject - 7%

Thank you to all GMB members for taking part in the ballot. It is a positive result and an RPI average increase is up there with the best in the sector. The latest inflation rates were announced in mid-December and the current 8-month average is 12.50%.

Inflation Rates announced on 14^th December

RPI 14%

CPI 10.7%

CPIH 9.3%

RPI Inflation – April to November 2022

April 11.10%

May 11.70%

June 11.80%

July 12.30%

August 12.30%

September 12.60%

October 14.20%

November 14.00%

8-month average = 12.50%

We have communicated the result to Cadent and we will keep you updated in the current RPI inflation rates.

If you are not yet a GMB member, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf and return to your GMB workplace rep

In solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 14 December 2022

Dear members
The latest inflation rates were announced on 14th December 22 and are set out below. We have updated the RPI average chart to show the average over eight months. The Cadent G & Legacy pay agreement for July 2023 is that pay & allowances will increase by the average rate of RPI inflation (retail prices index) from April 2022 to March 2023.

Inflation Rates announced on 14th December
RPI 14%
CPI 10.7%
CPIH 9.3%
RPI Inflation – April to November 2022
April 11.10%
May 11.70%
June 11.80%
July 12.30%
August 12.30%
September 12.60%
October 14.20%
November 14.00%
8-month average = 12.50%

The inflation rates are released around the middle of each month, and we will keep you updated on the running average.
If you are not yet a GMB member you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or fill in the form overleaf and give it to your GMB workplace rep.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
In Solidarity
Gary Carter
National Officer

Posted on: 6 December 2022

Dear Members

Pay negotiations have taken place with Cadent and a full and final offer has been tabled which GMB is recommending to members. The Company offer is a one-year deal covering the period 1July 2023 to 30 June 2024:

• A consolidated increase to base pay from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, at a percentage equal to the average of RPI for the 12 months up to and including 31 March 2023. In any case, the increase would be 7.5% minimum.
• The base pay increases are to flow through to all allowances as per Terms & Conditions (as appropriate).

This offer is in line with the Field Force pay deal negotiated by GMB.

The average rate of RPI inflation over the past seven months from April to October 2022 is 12.28%. The 7.5% minimum guarantee is there in case inflation suddenly drops, though Bank of England predictions are that inflation will remain high during the 12-month reference period.

RPI Inflation – April to October 2022

GMB believes linking the 2023 pay rise to RPI inflation is significant and we are recommending acceptance of the full and final pay offer.

In solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 11 October 2022

Dear Member

The GMB Cadent G annualised hours ballot has closed, and the result is as follows:

Accept - 79%

Reject - 21%

Thank you to all GMB members for taking part in the ballot. It is a positive result and a step forward in achieving better terms and conditions for Cadent G members.

A reminder of the headline changes

• Removal of annualised hours and change to average 42-hour week across the year.
• Removal of flex up/down and change to additional hours paid in lieu monthly
• Change to annual leave process from days to hours (277.2 hours equivalent to 33 days)
• Change to annual leave year from Jul-Jun to birth month,
• 42 hours leave carry over (equivalent to 5 days).

We have communicated the result to Cadent and we will work with the company to get the changes implemented.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 29 June 2023

Dear Member

The GMB has started talks with Cadent over the removal of annualised hours as agreed as part of the pay deal. The consultation will last a minimum of 45 days from the 28^th June 2022.

GMB Reps welcome your opinions and will work in your best interests throughout the process. We will keep you regularly informed as talks develop.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk

In solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 13 May 2022

STRIKE DATES ANNOUNCED

Dear Member

This is to let all GMB field force members know that we have served notice on Cadent that we are calling strike action days on Monday 30^th & Tuesday 31^st May 2022.

This is part of the GMB Union campaign for better pay and conditions for Cadent field force employees.

GMB members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action and we are calling on all GMB field force members to take part in the strike days.

It is time for Cadent to wake up to the cost-of-living crisis. Offering a miserly 6% over two years, when inflation is expected to top 10% this year, shows how out of step Cadent are.

Cadent made £900 million profit last year and they can afford to pay their field force more.

Join the strike action, GMB field force members deserve better pay.

If you are not yet a GMB member and want to take part in the strike action, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk

More information to follow on the strike days.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 6 May 2022

Dear Member

GMB Union is calling on GMB field force members to take part in an overtime ban from 00:01 on Tuesday, 10th May 2022.

We are doing this as part of the GMB campaign for better pay and conditions and because GMB members voted overwhelming for industrial action.

The overtime ban is intended to be short term and we will escalate the industrial action from an overtime ban to strike action if the company does not come back to the table with an improved pay offer.

What does an Overtime Ban mean?

• We call on all GMB field force members to stop working additional hours.
• We expect all our members to withdraw from pre-planned overtime, which will include pre-arranged shift patterns where overtime payments are claimed. This will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis.
• Shift swaps that do not attract overtime payments can continue.
• Holiday cover for a colleague can continue.
• To preserve Life and Property, participation on current standby Rotas should continue.
• We strongly advise all members to make safe and secure gas escapes before leaving a job, if this takes you beyond your contractual hours it will be deemed acceptable within the current arrangements surrounding industrial action.

This has been agreed by GMB national AOF. Unsure about anything, please speak to your local GMB workplace rep.

There is a cost-of-living crisis and Cadent can pay its field force more. Let’s show them how strong GMB members feel. Back the Action, Back the Overtime Ban.

If you are not yet a GMB Union member, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf and return it to your GMB workplace rep.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 12 April 2022

Dear member

We would like to thank GMB members for taking part in the industrial action ballot and returning an overwhelming vote for strike action and action short of strike.

The vote shows the strength of feeling amongst GMB field force members, and Cadent should now respond to this positively and come back to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer.

We’re currently talking to GMB reps about plans for industrial action and we’ll keep members fully informed. We are legally required to give Cadent fourteen days’ notice of industrial action. The industrial action has to take place during the next six months, so look out for updates.

If you’re not yet a member of GMB Union, and want to join the GMB campaign for better pay and conditions, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk/join

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In solidrity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 8 April 2022

Dear Member

Question 1: Are you prepared to take part in strike action?

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot - 1,940

Number of votes cast in the ballot - 1,263

Number of ‘Yes’ Votes - 1,095 (86.9%)

Number of ‘No’ Votes - 165 (13.1%)

Number of spoilt or otherwise invalid voting papers returned - 3

Votes cast in the ballot as a % of individuals who were entitled to vote - 65.1%

Question 2: Are you prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike?

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot - 1,940

Number of votes cast in the ballot - 1,263

Number of ‘Yes’ Votes - 1,124 (90.6%)

Number of ‘No’ Votes - 116 ( 9.4%)

Number of spoilt or otherwise invalid voting papers returned - 23

Votes cast in the ballot as a % of individuals who were entitled to vote - 65.1%

In solidrity

GARY CARTER

GMB NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 1 March 2022

MAKE SURE YOU RETURN YOUR BALLOT PAPER

Dear Member

In mid-March inflation hit a thirty-year high and Friday, 1^st April 2022, dubbed Bleak Friday because energy prices rise by 54% and people face increases in council tax, social housing rents, vehicle excise duty, water bills, broadband, phones, and TV costs.

The Cadent pay offer will not cover the rise in prices and Cadent employees are going to be worse off.

Cadent made £900 million profit last year, and they can help their employees through the cost-of-living crisis by increasing the pay offer.

A two year pay deal worth 6%, when inflation is running at 8% and is predicted to hit double figures isn’t enough. GMB members deserve better.

MAKE SURE YOU RETURN YOUR BALLOT PAPER

Vote Yes for Strike Action, Vote Yes for Action Short of Strike.

If you haven’t received a ballot paper, please see your GMB workplace Rep and they will arrange for a duplicate ballot paper to be sent out.

If you are not a GMB member and want to join the GMB campaign for better Pay & Conditions, you can join online.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 18 March 2022

Dear Member

We have served notice on Cadent and you will be sent your Industrial action ballot paper in the post from Friday 25th March. We are holding one ballot covering Legacy and Cadent G Field Force GMB members.

You will have two weeks to post your ballot paper back to Civica in pre-paid envelope provided. The ballot will close at 12 noon on Friday 8th April 2022.

Make Sure You Vote

There will be two questions on the ballot paper, and your GMB Union is asking you to vote YES for Strike Action and YES for action short of strike action (overtime ban).

GMB members voted resoundingly to reject a two year pay offer worth 6%. The first-year offer was worse than the previous offer, which GMB members rejected, and year-two was below inflation.

There is a cost-of-living crisis in the country and Cadent which made a £900 million profit last year can afford a better pay rise for its employees.

Vote YES for Strike Action. Vote YES for Action Short of Strike Action.

If you do not receive a ballot paper to your home address in the first few days of the ballot period, please contact your GMB workplace rep and we will arrange for CIVICA to send you a duplicate ballot.

When your ballot paper drops through the door, don’t stick it on the fridge or mantel piece, Make Sure You Vote.

If you are not yet a GMB member and want to be involved in the GMB campaign for better pay and conditions, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 14 March 2022

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Dear Member

GMB Cadent Field Force Legacy and Cadent G members resoundingly rejected Cadent’s final pay offer. We will keep the door open for further negotiations with Cadent and it would be best if we got to a negotiated settlement. However, GMB will now start the industrial action process. Unfortunately, this takes time because of the legislation governing industrial action ballots.

Firstly, GMB is required to serve 7 days’ notice that we intend to ballot. We must provide detailed information in the notice letter, which includes depots and job titles for those members paying by direct debit. This information does not include the names of members. We do not give employers this information.

The ballot itself will be a confidential postal ballot, carried out by the independent organisation, CIVICA. This is a postal, not workplace ballot, so it’s very important the GMB has your up-to-date postal address. If you have recently moved, please let your GMB workplace rep have your new address. If you do not receive a ballot paper to your home address in the first few days of the ballot period, please contact your GMB workplace rep and we will arrange with CIVICA for a duplicate ballot to be sent to you.

It is important that you vote in the industrial action ballot. We want all members to have their say and the legislation requires us to have a turnout of at least 50% before industrial action can be taken. As well as the 50% turnout threshold, a majority of GMB members must vote in favour of taking industrial action. So, we will be asking members to “Make Sure You Vote, and to Vote YES in support of industrial action”.

There will be two questions on the ballot paper. Firstly, are you prepared to take Strike Action, and secondly whether you are prepared to take part in Action Short of a Strike. For example, this could mean an overtime ban.

GMB will be asking you to Vote YES for both Strike Action and Action Short of a Strike.

Cadent might decide to send you communications through the balloting period and seek to persuade you to vote no and that industrial action is pointless, that it won’t achieve anything and Cadent doesn’t have the money to increase the offer. GMB believes otherwise.

Throughout the pay negotiations GMB has kept members up to date and we have given members the facts and information. We have balloted members on the pay offers and these have been resoundingly rejected by GMB field force members.

Cadent is a very profitable company, which can afford to increase the pay offer and improve Cadent G terms and conditions.

When your ballot paper drops through the door, do not stick it on the fridge or mantelpiece, Make Sure You Vote, and Vote YES for Strike Action.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 7 March 2022

Dear member

The Cadent Legacy Field Force pay ballot has closed, and the result is as follows:

24% Accept

76% Reject

We will inform the company of the result and explain the reasons why GMB Legacy Field Force members have rejected the pay offer. We hope the company will acknowledge the strength of feeling amongst Cadent Legacy Field Force employees and come back to the negotiating table with an offer which will be acceptable to GMB members.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 28 February 2022

Dear member

The Cadent G pay ballot has closed, and the result is as follows:

35% - Accept

65% - Reject

We will inform the company of the result and explain the reasons why GMB Cadent G members have rejected the pay offer. We hope the company will acknowledge the strength of feeling amongst Cadent G employees and come back to the negotiating table with an offer which will be acceptable to GMB members.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 23 February 2022

TWO YEAR PAY OFFER – BALLOT RESULT

Dear member

The Cadent Staff pay ballot has closed and the result is as follows

57% Accept

43% Reject

We have informed the company of the result and they have confirmed that they will pay the back pay in the March payroll.

We would like to thank GMB members for taking part in the GMB pay campaign and ballots. It is important that members have their say on pay, and it has made a real difference. It got Cadent to move and improve the pay offer.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 10 February 2022

Dear Member

GMB will be carrying out workplace pay ballots for Legacy Field Force and Cadent G members. Cadent Staff members will receive a link for the electronic ballot or a postal ballot.

Please make sure you use your vote and have your say on pay.

The ballot timetable and closing dates are as follows

• Cadent Staff – the ballot is open and will close at 12 Noon on Friday, 18th February 2022

• Cadent G – the ballot will start on Monday, 21st February and close on Friday, 25th February 2022

• Legacy Field Force – the ballot will start on Monday, 28th February and close on Friday 4th March 2022

Posted on: 17 January 2022

Dear Member

GMB representatives met with the company twice last week to discuss the 2021 pay dispute.

Cadent senior management stated they wanted to make progress and had listened to the reasons why GMB members had rejected the previous pay offer. Cadent has given an undertaking to come back to us with proposals early this week, and this will include proposals on Cadent G terms and conditions and a two year pay deal. Further meetings will then take place later this week with a deadline set for 26th January 2022.

We will keep you informed of any developments, and whether or not progress has been made to resolve the dispute.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 6 January 2022

Dear member

Before Christmas you will have received a communication from Cadent saying they will be paying employees £750 in January and arranging a meeting with GMB to discuss options going forward. The GMB is glad that Cadent is paying the £750 to employees and we hope that Cadent recognises the strength of feeling amongst the workforce, so we can reach a satisfactory resolution to the 2021 pay claims.

GMB members across Cadent rejected the company’s final offer, so GMB has written to the company to inform them that we are in dispute.

It is our intention to ballot Legacy field force, Cadent G and Staff members for industrial action. This process takes a bit of time as the union must comply with legal requirements and the ballots are required to be postal and carried out by an independent organisation.

We will keep you informed of developments and the balloting process.

Posted on: 26 November 2022

Dear member

We have received revised pay offers from Cadent across the three bargaining groups, Legacy Field Force, Cadent G Field Force and Cadent Staff. We have further negotiations with Cadent on Tuesday, 30th November, and following those meetings we will give you a full update.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Office

Posted on: 26 November 2021

Dear member

We have reached agreement with Cadent to run a 6-month alternative to annualised hours trial. This is a change that GMB members have been calling for and this trial is a step in the right direction.

Key Points

The trial will launch on Sunday, 28th November 2021, for a 6-month period ending 28th May 2022. All Cadent G employees are included in the trial.

There will be a review with GMB union at three months and then two weeks before the end of the six-month period, to determine whether the alternative to annualised hours is made permanent.

There will be no annualised hours bank in operation during the trial, instead network supervisors will be responsible for scheduling a 42-hour week on average for the duration of the trial. These rules are based on an average 42-hour week. However, actual weekly hours are dependent upon the work rota.

Existing annualised hours balances, whether in credit or debit, will be frozen during the trial. This means no one will start the trial in debit or credit. Where the balance is in credit this will be paid as normal at the end of the usual Annualised hour year (1 July to 30 June).

If an individual works additional hours to their rostered hours this can be claimed as overtime, even where this falls on a week where an employee may be scheduled for less than 42 hours.

Annual leave will be calculated and booked in hours (277.2 hours per year) and deductions from entitlement made based on planned shift length. This will be for the duration of the trial. Part time employees’ entitlement will be calculated pro rata. Annual leave will be monitored during the trial to ensure employees are not at detriment.

We hope the trial runs smoothly, and we see the back of annualised hours. But there will be issues and if you cannot resolve these with your supervisor, please see your GMB workplace rep.

If you are not yet a GMB member, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the form overleaf and return it to your GMB workplace rep.

In solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 11 November 2021

Dear Member

Talks between Cadent and GMB reps on Cadent G annualised hours are continuing. Progress is being made, though there a few things that need to be ironed out.

Hopefully this can be done in the next couple of weeks and the trial will be able to start on 28th November 2021.

We’ll keep you informed of developments.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

National Officer

Posted on: 12 October 2021

Dear Member

The GMB pay ballots across the three bargaining groups have now closed. We have counted the ballot papers, and the results are in:

Cadent G Field Force

Accept 0.30%

Reject 99.7%

Cadent Legacy Field Force

Accept 1.7%

Reject 98.3%

Cadent Staff

Accept 3%

Reject 97%

A big thank you to GMB members for taking part in the ballot. The results are a massive rejection of the company’s pay offer and shows the strength of feeling across Cadent. Staff members in Unison also overwhelmingly rejected the pay offer.

Employees in Cadent are united and want a good pay rise and better terms and conditions. Cadent made nearly a £1billion pounds profits and can afford to pay more.

We have informed Cadent of the results. They now need to listen to their employees and come back negotiating table with a much better offer. We willl keep you informed of developments.

If you haven’t yet joined GMB then you can do so online www.gmb.org.uk or by completing the form overleaf and returning it to your GMB workplace rep.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

National Officer

Posted on: 13 July 2021

Dear Member

Following the GMB national AOF meeting held on Friday, 2^nd July 2021, to discuss Cadent’s final pay offer, we have written to the company.

The unanimous view of the GMB national AOF, having canvassed the views of members, is that the final pay offer of 1.5% is unacceptable. And that if we were to ballot members, it would be with a recommendation to reject.

 The lack of recognition for working on the frontline through Covid was raised by each and every GMB rep at the AOF. It is something that the field force feels strongly about and this cannot simply be brushed aside. Inflation is rising and the Cadent offer of 1.5% is less than half the current rate of inflation (RPI) and below average wage settlements.

If we are to reach an agreement on pay, then it will need to be at higher level than the one currently on offer.

We will let you know when we get a response from the company and any further developments.

If you are not yet a GMB member, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

GARY CARTER

National Officer

Posted on: 18 June 2021

Field Force Legacy - Final Pay Offer

Since submitting the GMB pay claim back in March 2021 we have had a couple of pay meetings with the company. At the DOF meeting held on 9th June 2021, the company confirmed that their final offer is as follows:

• A one-year deal covering the period 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022.
• A consolidated 1.5% increase to Base Pay from 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022.
• The increase to flow through to all allowances as per the Handbook (with the exception of Christmas and New Year payments).
• The increase is applicable from 1st July 2021. As the cut-off date for implementation of this increase into the July payroll has passed, pay will be backdated accordingly.
• Back dated payment will be made at the earliest opportunity.

GMB Pay Claim 2021

Here is a reminder of the pay claim GMB sent to management in March 2021.

A) 3% increase on base salary flowing through to all relevant allowances.

B) £750 lump sum recognition payment for the work undertaken by our recognised key workers throughout the Covid19 pandemic.

C) This pay claim is for the period 1^st July 2021 to 30^th June 2022. (1 year)

GMB DOF View and Next Steps

The GMB DOF negotiating team has told management that 1.5% offer is not acceptable because it does not reflect all the hard work and commitment the field force has shown throughout the COVID pandemic, and it is less than inflation and below other pay settlements in the energy and utilities sector.

We will be holding a GMB national AOF reps meeting on Friday 2^nd July 2021, to discuss the pay offer. We would like GMB members to let their GMB reps know what they think of the offer in advance of the national AOF meeting. The views of our members are very important to us.

Cadent G Pay Talks

Since we submitted the Cadent G pay claim back in March, we have had one meeting with the company. At the meeting GMB reps went through the claim in detail, setting out the reasons why we believe annualised do not work and the need to improve Cadent G terms and conditions. The company is yet to come back to us with an offer. We have been chasing them for another meeting, which they say will be in the week commencing 21^st June 2021. We will keep you informed of any developments and keep pushing for better Cadent G pay and conditions.

Staff Grades Pay Talks

GMB & UNISON reps have had two meetings with the company and the offer was the same as that offered to legacy field force employees. Both GMB & UNISON agree the offer to staff was disappointing and fell well short of what we believe members deserve in a highly profitable business like Cadent. The business has gone away to consider its position.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join online at www.gmb.org.uk or complete the membership form and give it to your local GMB workplace rep.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

​GARY CARTER

National Officer

Posted on: 20 October 2020

Dear Colleagues

When Cadent announced that they would be reverting to the sick policy for Covid, GMB challenged this at field force and staff meetings. With Covid cases rising every day it is the wrong time to remove sick pay and put people through sick reviews for Covid related absence. GMB has called on Cadent to reverse the decision.

Cadent employees have worked throughout the pandemic and should receive full pay if off with Covid or required to self-isolate.

Cadent employees should not fear triggering the sickness absence policy because they have Covid or are required to self-isolate.

GMB has challenged the change and Cadent have said they will review their position.

Cadent have also said they will use their discretion, so if you have Covid or have self-isolate and you’re worried about getting paid or triggering the sickness absence policy, please speak to your GMB workplace rep. We are here to help and take matters up with management.

If you are not a GMB member, then you can join online: JOIN

GMB campaigning for better health, safety and welfare at work.

Yours in Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 17 May 2022

Click the link below to view the letter in full from EPSU to Cadent G and Legacy Members.

Posted on: 24 May 2022

Dear Member

GMB Union is calling on all Cadent field force members to take part in Strike Action for 48 hours from 00:01 hours on Monday, 30th May 2022, until 23:59 hours on Tuesday, 31st May 2022.

This is part of the GMB Union campaign for better pay and conditions for field force employees.

Overtime Ban

GMB is bringing the current overtime ban to an end from 23:59 on Tuesday, 24th May 2022. We would like to thank all GMB members for taking part and supporting the ban.

Background to Pay Dispute

In January, GMB members voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s pay offer of 2% for 2021 and 4% from July 2022. Members told us they rejected this because the 2021 offer was worse than the previous offer (£750 taken off the table) and the 2022 offer was lower than inflation.

In April, 86.9% of GMB members voted for strike action and 90.6% voted for action short of strike action on a 65% turnout. This easily surpassed the 50% turnout threshold required by law.

Seeking a Resolution

Throughout, GMB has sought to resolve the pay dispute through negotiation. We put forward 3%, 2021 & 5% for 2022, and improvements to Cadent G terms & conditions, which is both reasonable and affordable.

Following the industrial action ballot result in April, GMB initiated talks through ACAS. One meeting took place, but unfortunately Cadent did not put forward a new offer, so no further meetings have taken place.

The GMB remains open to further talks and would like to resolve the dispute without strike action, but the company needs to increase the pay offer. Cadent made £900 million profit last year and can afford to pay their field force employees more.

What is happening on the Strike Days

GMB Union is calling on all field force members to take Strike Action for 48 hours from 00:01 hours on Monday, 30th May 2022, until 23:59 hours on Tuesday 31st May 2022.

• GMB members are not required to tell Cadent they are striking and can simply stay at home on the strike days. You do not have to ring in or let the let the company know.
• GMB will be arranging pickets at depots across the networks, and we will need GMB members to come along to show their support on the days.
• Please speak your local GMB rep if you want to join the picket line. GMB regional organisers will also be in attendance, and you might get visits from local press and politicians.
• We hope the weather will be fine on the strike days, but please come dressed appropriately and be prepared for good natured demonstrating.
• For those members who do not wish to come down to the picket line, you do not need to attend work and are free to spend time with family and friends. We appreciate it is half term in many areas of the Country.
• Cadent will not pay you for being on strike.

How can the dispute be resolved?

Cadent needs to increase the pay offer. GMB members ask 3% increase for 2021, 5% for 2022, and improvements to Cadent G terms and conditions is both reasonable and affordable.

What you can do

Join the Strike Action, fight for your rights, fight for better pay and conditions.

If you are not yet a GMB member and want to take part in the strike action, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 27 May 2022

Dear member

Apologies, for not getting this out yesterday, things were extremely busy and I ran out of time.

We had discussions with the company on Thursday 26th May and this led to Cadent tabling a new offer, so we’ve suspended the strike action and members will get the chance to vote on the new offer.

Summary of the New Pay Offer

The £750 that was not part of the last offer, is back on the table and is worth in cash terms a minimum of 2% for the highest paid field force and more for those on lower rates.

The 4% increase payable from May 2022 is worth more than 4% because it is paid from May not July 2022.

This means that from 1st May 2022, if accepted, 6% will be applied to basic rates and allowances and members will get £750 worth a minimum of 2% in June.

Members will also receive 2% back pay from 1st July 2021 to 30th April 2022 and back of 4% from May 2022.

The third-year offer, which is actually only next year, is an RPI increase (retail prices index) normally the highest inflation index with a minimum increase of 5%, but no maximum. This is a very good offer when you consider where inflation is and is likely to be.

The improvements to Cadent G terms go cover nearly everything in the pay claim and is significant progress on where Cadent G staff currently are and adds more to the overall percentage increase.

The GMB will be balloting members on the new pay & conditions offer and we will put out a more detailed breakdown of the offer next week.

The ballot will take place week commencing 6th June 2022 and GMB is strongly recommending acceptance of the offer.

Details of the New Pay Offer

The pay offer for the whole of the Field Force consists of:

• A lump sum payment of £750, to be paid in June 2022, in addition to the £750 lump sum already paid in January 2022

• A 2% increase to base pay for 2021 in line with the most recent pay offer, this will be backdated to 1 July 2021

• A 4% increase to base pay for 2022 in line with the most recent pay offer, however this will now be backdated to 1 May 2022

• A base pay offer for 2023 linked to inflation, specifically RPI, which: Is at a percentage equal to the average of RPI for the 12 months up to and including 31 March 2023. Is at a minimum of 5%.

• The base pay increases are to flow through to all allowances as per the DOF Handbook or Cadent G Terms & Conditions as appropriate (with the exception of Christmas & New Years as normal)

This is in addition to the non-base pay enhancements that were committed to in the previous pay offer for our Cadent G colleagues which include:

• An increase to standby payments, matching the standby payment to our Legacy field Force (DOF) from 1st July 2022;

• An extension the onerous hours window from 1st July 2022, moving it from 10pm to 6am, to a new window of 8pm to 8am;

• The provision of a one-off payment of £48.00 for employees who work on any Bank Holiday back dated to 1st July 2021, payable to employees who are called upon to work;

• Commitment to permanently remove annualised hours through formal consultation, commencing at the earliest opportunity following acceptance of the pay offer.

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 13 June 2022

BALLOT RESULTS

Dear Member

The two pay ballots have closed, and the results are as follows:

Legacy Field Force

74.5% ACCEPT

25.5% REJECT

Cadent G Field Force

69.5% ACCEPT

30.5% REJECT

GMB members in both bargaining groups have therefore accepted the company’s improved pay offers and we have informed Cadent of the results.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Reps and the Regional Officers for all their hard work and support during the negotiations, and the workplace and industrial action ballots.

I would also like to thank the Cadent GMB members, whose steadfast support for one another has brought the company back to the table and resulted in an improved offer that members have now accepted.

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER

Posted on: 29 June 2022

Dear Member

The GMB has started talks with Cadent over the removal of annualised hours as agreed as part of the pay deal. The consultation will last a minimum of 45 days from the 28^th June 2022.

GMB Reps welcome your opinions and will work in your best interests throughout the process. We will keep you regularly informed as talks develop.

If you are not yet a member of GMB Union, you can join online www.gmb.org.uk

In solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 11 October 2022

Dear Member

The GMB Cadent G annualised hours ballot has closed, and the result is as follows:

Accept - 79%

Reject - 21%

Thank you to all GMB members for taking part in the ballot. It is a positive result and a step forward in achieving better terms and conditions for Cadent G members.

A reminder of the headline changes

• Removal of annualised hours and change to average 42-hour week across the year.
• Removal of flex up/down and change to additional hours paid in lieu monthly
• Change to annual leave process from days to hours (277.2 hours equivalent to 33 days)
• Change to annual leave year from Jul-Jun to birth month,
• 42 hours leave carry over (equivalent to 5 days).

We have communicated the result to Cadent and we will work with the company to get the changes implemented.

In Solidarity

Gary Carter

National Officer

Posted on: 6 December 2022

Dear Members

Pay negotiations have taken place with Cadent and a full and final offer has been tabled which GMB is recommending to members. The Company offer is a one-year deal covering the period 1July 2023 to 30 June 2024:

• A consolidated increase to base pay from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, at a percentage equal to the average of RPI for the 12 months up to and including 31 March 2023. In any case, the increase would be 7.5% minimum.
• The base pay increases are to flow through to all allowances as per Terms & Conditions (as appropriate).

This offer is in line with the Field Force pay deal negotiated by GMB.

The average rate of RPI inflation over the past seven months from April to October 2022 is 12.28%. The 7.5% minimum guarantee is there in case inflation suddenly drops, though Bank of England predictions are that inflation will remain high during the 12-month reference period.

RPI Inflation – April to October 2022

GMB believes linking the 2023 pay rise to RPI inflation is significant and we are recommending acceptance of the full and final pay offer.

In solidarity

GARY CARTER

NATIONAL OFFICER