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Youth & Community Workers' Pay Scales (England & Wales)

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Latest Pay Update - July 2012

The national employers have undertaken a consultation with local authorities on the unions' pay claim which was submitted on 27 March. The unions asked for a substantial rise on all grades and allowances from September 2012.

In addition there are other elements of the claim: 

  • The removal of the bottom two pay points, so that the starting point salary for a youth support worker would be pay point 3.
  • A joint comparative review of all London and area allowances to be completed by December 2012.
  • A joint working party to establish a joint job security agreement.
  • The introduction of longer periods of notice.
  • A joint agreement to promote long term funding arrangements for voluntary sector projects.
  • The commitment of the Government to pay at least £250 earning up to £21,000 or less should in any event be honoured.

Following the meeting of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community (JNC) on 20 June, the national employers have formally responded to the union side pay claim stating that they are unable to offer any pay increase for 2012-2013. The Employers’ Side maintains that the financial position in local government continues to be challenging in light of the reduction in the central government grant of 28% over the current funding period. The employers view is therefore that any increase would be unaffordable.

Pay Scales

In the 'Resources' section on the right-hand side of this page, you will find the current and previous years salary scales for persons employed by local authorities in England and Wales as youth and community workers and persons employed as youth and community workers by voluntary organisations in receipt of a grant form local or central government of the Welsh Assembly Government. 

The 2009 pay scales remain in force, this follows the Coalition Government's implementation of the public sector pay freeze and swingeing cuts to local authority budgets, which have also led to job losses for many members. 

Pay increments will not be affected and employees who are contractually entitled to move up a point on the relevant pay spine in September 2011, will continue to do so on the basis of the existing salary structure. Members facing redundancy should contact their Local Secretary or Regional Centre for support.