Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

More for the 'fat cats' less for the workers ...
It would seem that the recession hasn't quite hit home at WC for the top jobs.

In The Guardian on Thursday, WC advertised for 'Service Director - Targeted Services - £80-88k'. It didn't even state whether this was a 'board level' appointment.

In comparison, other staff have been told -

'Local Government Pay 2010/2011.

It has been confirmed by the employers’ side of the National Joint Council that, in view of the difficult financial position facing councils they will not be able to offer any increase in pay for 2010/2011.

In a letter confirming the decision they state: “We realise that many of you have been struggling to cope with the effects of the recession and that the employers’ decision will be a disappointment. However councils have also been badly affected and are faced with difficult choices. A pay increase in 2010/2011 would lead to cuts in services that would adversely affect local people and would put council jobs in jeopardy.” '

The pay decision is, I believe, the correct one and I'm sure staff appreciate the financial mess that the council is in. Certainly, they are not the only 'public sector' staff to have had a 0% pay settlement recently. As for £88k for the new post, surely WC could get better value for money in these cash strapped times? Even executives must have realised that we're into a belt tightening phase. The salary might not be so bad if it wasn't for the pension and other perks that go with it.