There was cross party support for Darren Johnson’s proposal to the Assembly’s Business Committee that the lowest paid staff at City Hall should receive a 4% pay increase. The Head of Paid Service is recommending a 2% increase, following a pay freeze last year. The Mayor has yet to give a view, but supported last year’s pay freeze. In June, the Mayor agreed a pay rise for two top advisors at a total cost of £73,000.
Darren Johnson said: "I welcome the cross party backing for a 4% rise. It will only cost a total of £50,000 to help these staff keep pace with inflation. Otherwise, this will be the second year of the lowest paid staff at City Hall staff suffering what is effectively a pay cut. The Mayor found the money to pay his advisers more, so I hope he will support our bid to find a small amount of money for the lowest paid. I am increasingly worried about the growth of inequality in London leading to social tensions and crime."
A paper submitted by the Head of Paid Service to the Business Management Advisory Committee meeting on the 22nd September recommends that the lowest paid staff receive a 2% pay increase, at a cost of £25,000. The Assembly has responded to the consultation by reaffirming its commitment to 4%. The Mayor is now consulted on the recommendation.
Darren questions the Mayor on the pay rise for Mayoral advisers at the 14th July MQT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvJCaZR1DuA