Capita TV Licensing workers strike over low pay offer

Capita TV Licensing workers are striking today over a below-inflation pay offer.

The offer, £550 for 2010 and £600 for 2011, represents a minimum increase of 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively. This falls short of the retail prices index (RPI) levels, which have averaged 5% since April 2010.

Workers across the UK, working on the BBC TV licensing contract, including two main sites at Darwen (Lancashire) and Bristol, are planning strike action.

Andy Furey, assistant secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), said: “Our members at Capita TV Licensing are facing a pay cut in real terms from an organisation which makes millions in profit every year.

“We are asking for a simple improvement in their pay offer which at 2.6% is almost half the rate of inflation.

"The last thing our members want is strikes, but the employer has left people with no choice. They are facing increased food, energy and transport bills and work for an organisation which can afford to reward its staff with fair wages.”

A spokesperson from Capita said: “The offer made to Capita staff working on the TV licensing contract represents a minimum increase of 2.6% and 2.7% for 2010 and 2011, respectively.

“We think that this is a good and fair offer, particularly in light of the economic climate, which continues to be challenging, and the fact that many other private sector organisations have had to introduce pay freezes.

“We are therefore disappointed that staff are taking industrial action but have taken measures to help ensure that we continue to offer a good level of service during the action to minimise the impact on customers.”