BOTH councillors for Radstock have announced that they are supporting workers from trade unions, Unite and Unison, who demonstrated outside the Guildhall in Bath.

This comes after Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council approved a new pay structure that will see 106 people have their pay frozen for three years under the council’s pay protection policy, though it also means a pay rise for 62 per cent of the council’s 3,500 staff.

Radstock’s two B&NES councillors - Lesley Mansell and Chris Dando (Labour) - are union members. Cllr Mansell is member of Unite the Union, while Cllr Dando a part of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

Labour councillors have engaged with union representatives and raised concerns directly with the council leader and chief executive officer.

They claim that the decision contradicts the council’s own corporate strategy, which declares: “We have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.”

Mr Mansell said: “The impact will be felt most acutely by frontline staff—including those in waste and recycling, IT, social care, and passenger transport—who are essential to delivering quality services. These cuts are in direct contradiction to the council’s stated commitment to continuously improving frontline services and protecting the most vulnerable.

“We urge the administration to reconsider this decision, bring it to full council for a fair and open debate, and explore a more equitable approach that truly values the contributions of all staff.”

A spokesperson for Bath & North East Somerset Council added: “These changes mean pay rises for nearly two thirds of council staff including many of our lowest paid colleagues in social care.

“Passenger transport, waste and recycling staff are not affected and it is not correct to suggest that their pay will be cut by this decision. The proposal was considered by Employment Committee as required by the council’s constitution.”