Story perspectives

Glasgow Council approves plan to rehire 23,000 staff

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 10:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Glasgow City Council will dismiss over 23,000 non-teaching staff and rehire them under new contracts.
The City Administration Committee approved the plan on August 20 by a 13-to-9 vote.
Unison will not ballot its members, halting the deal.
GMB and Unite will ballot members and warn the extra £110 million could disappear.
The framework would raise 63% of staff, cut 11%, and could reduce annual earnings by up to £11,500.

History

Historical Context

Margaret Thatcher’s 1985 rate-capping order forced councils such as Glasgow City Council to cut spending, prompting a 12 % staff reduction across England and Scotland. The current plan to axe more than 23,000 non-teaching employees, saving about £110 million, revives the same fiscal clash, with unions Unison, GMB and Unite again challenging the cuts.

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Story summary

Glasgow City Council will dismiss over 23,000 non-teaching staff and rehire them under new contracts.
The City Administration Committee approved the plan on August 20 by a 13-to-9 vote.
Unison will not ballot its members, halting the deal.
GMB and Unite will ballot members and warn the extra £110 million could disappear.
The framework would raise 63% of staff, cut 11%, and could reduce annual earnings by up to £11,500.

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