Union Suggests 20% Cut in Managers’ Pay

East Sussex County Council is under pressure to find savings of £70m–£90m over the next three years. Amid proposals to reduce its adult social care budget by £40m by 2019, the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union (GMB) has suggested a 20% pay reduction for senior managers as a way to “keep its own house in order.”

Council Budget Proposals and Consultation

The authority is currently consulting on detailed budget proposals, with a business planning meeting scheduled for Thursday. The focus is on identifying cuts across all areas—particularly in adult social care—while ensuring essential services continue to be delivered.

Union Proposal and Estimated Savings

According to GMB regional officer Rachel Verdin, a 20% salary reduction for the county council’s six corporate management team posts—including the chief executive—could save approximately £681,000 when on-costs such as national insurance and pension contributions are factored in. Verdin stated:

“Members are staggered by the depth and breadth of services set to face massive reductions or complete obliteration. This imbalance is even starker when considered alongside some of the cuts currently being planned.”

Over three years, mirroring a 20% cut each year could deliver a total basic salary saving of around £524,000, with on-costs pushing the figure close to £681,000 back into council coffers.

For more on similar proposals, see our analysis of union suggestions.

Council’s Response to Pay-Cut Suggestion

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson welcomed feedback but emphasised that no final decision has been made. The council’s policy is to align senior management salaries with average public sector pay grades in the south east. They noted:

• Responsibility: Senior managers oversee over 15,000 staff and manage a gross annual budget of £783 million.
• Attraction: Competitive salaries are needed to attract candidates with the expertise required to deliver vital services.
• Restructuring: The council has already reduced its senior management numbers by one quarter in recent years to help meet funding cuts.

Background: Adult Social Care Budget

Facing significant funding reductions from central government, the council must make tough choices. Adult social care represents a major portion of spending, and proposals aim to protect frontline services while finding efficiencies at senior levels.

Source: Sussex Express