PCS Independent Left
@pcs-il.bsky.social
For a fighting, rank-and-file controlled union.
pcsindependentleft.com
pcsindependentleft.com
Left Unity, described the Government’s below inflation 2023-24 pay remit as a “significant concession.” But when the remit was first published Mark Serwotka said “ That is not enough, it’s half the rate of inflation and we need more.”
November 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Left Unity, described the Government’s below inflation 2023-24 pay remit as a “significant concession.” But when the remit was first published Mark Serwotka said “ That is not enough, it’s half the rate of inflation and we need more.”
Of course the uplift of the min wage impacts on more than the DWP. PCS estimates around 40,000 staff are on or near the minimum wage. So tens of thousands of staff will see a pay rise next year. Therefore it is a systemic problem. So has LU sought to solve this system wide problem.
No.
No.
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Of course the uplift of the min wage impacts on more than the DWP. PCS estimates around 40,000 staff are on or near the minimum wage. So tens of thousands of staff will see a pay rise next year. Therefore it is a systemic problem. So has LU sought to solve this system wide problem.
No.
No.
The DWP pay crisis is undeniable. The new £12.77 minimum wage means 22% of DWP staff (19,655 workers) are currently paid below the legal minimum! The 2016 Employee Deal failed to future-proof pay, leaving thousands selling weekends for a poverty wage.
November 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
The DWP pay crisis is undeniable. The new £12.77 minimum wage means 22% of DWP staff (19,655 workers) are currently paid below the legal minimum! The 2016 Employee Deal failed to future-proof pay, leaving thousands selling weekends for a poverty wage.
If you can attend do so. We must stand by the Ukrainian labour movement.
This Wednesday 26 November, join us for an international discussion of how trade union movts can build solidarity with Ukraine and its workers. Organised by @ensu-resu.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
If you can attend do so. We must stand by the Ukrainian labour movement.
Read the latest IL article on our website: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/24/l...
Left Unity’s Real Reasons for Retreat – Part 2: It’s About Low Membership
This is a follow up to an earlier posting Left Unity’s Real Reasons for Retreat – Part 1: It’s About Control Firstly we have to be honest and say that PCS in is a minority union. Left Unity believe…
pcsindependentleft.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Read the latest IL article on our website: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/24/l...
PCS is a minority union. Successful unions don't wait though until they reach perfect density before taking risks; they use the fight itself to recruit and consolidate power.
November 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
PCS is a minority union. Successful unions don't wait though until they reach perfect density before taking risks; they use the fight itself to recruit and consolidate power.
Left Unity never wanted a ballot or a serious campaign in the first place. The entire process—the late notice, no real publicity or drive to build for events, the confusing deadlines, and the misuse of the stress text concept, was designed to blame activists for the leadership’s own failings.
November 20, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Left Unity never wanted a ballot or a serious campaign in the first place. The entire process—the late notice, no real publicity or drive to build for events, the confusing deadlines, and the misuse of the stress text concept, was designed to blame activists for the leadership’s own failings.
LU are seemingly happy with protracted national talks, ministerial engagements, and polite, pointless lobbying. This approach means they avoid an unpredictable mass mobilisation. Their priority isn't building power to fight the employer; it's internal stability and staying in power.
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 PM
LU are seemingly happy with protracted national talks, ministerial engagements, and polite, pointless lobbying. This approach means they avoid an unpredictable mass mobilisation. Their priority isn't building power to fight the employer; it's internal stability and staying in power.
The Independent Left (IL) within PCS contests the leadership’s optimism regarding national talks. Given the government’s consistent approach—and pay limits set for the NHS/SCS—we must be realistic: a special, better deal for PCS members is highly unlikely.
November 18, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The Independent Left (IL) within PCS contests the leadership’s optimism regarding national talks. Given the government’s consistent approach—and pay limits set for the NHS/SCS—we must be realistic: a special, better deal for PCS members is highly unlikely.
2.5% in 2026.
Given that the government is trying to hard cap pay at 2.5% for the NHS, and is enforcing the same limit for the SCS, do we really think it is likely that PCS will get a special deal, a better deal than the NHS?
To read more: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/17/2...
Given that the government is trying to hard cap pay at 2.5% for the NHS, and is enforcing the same limit for the SCS, do we really think it is likely that PCS will get a special deal, a better deal than the NHS?
To read more: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/17/2...
2.5% in 2026
At the end of October, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) submitted its written evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB). The wording in this document is critical for all of us in the…
pcsindependentleft.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:41 PM
2.5% in 2026.
Given that the government is trying to hard cap pay at 2.5% for the NHS, and is enforcing the same limit for the SCS, do we really think it is likely that PCS will get a special deal, a better deal than the NHS?
To read more: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/17/2...
Given that the government is trying to hard cap pay at 2.5% for the NHS, and is enforcing the same limit for the SCS, do we really think it is likely that PCS will get a special deal, a better deal than the NHS?
To read more: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/17/2...
Reform UK's plan for government, outlined by Danny Kruger MP, includes a massive overhaul of the Civil Service. The goal is a 30% overall headcount cut, targeting a return to 2016 staffing levels. This would impact over £100K civil servants.
November 14, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Reform UK's plan for government, outlined by Danny Kruger MP, includes a massive overhaul of the Civil Service. The goal is a 30% overall headcount cut, targeting a return to 2016 staffing levels. This would impact over £100K civil servants.
Read the latest: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/13/l...
Left Unity’s Real Reasons for Retreat – Part 1: It’s About Control
When we call for national action—the kind that might actually win something—Left Unity (LU) usually has one tired answer: “We’re too weak to deliver it.” Or more accurately “Activ…
pcsindependentleft.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Read the latest: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/13/l...
The DHSC's NHS pay submission, recommending a 2.5% cap, confirms a hard line driven by the Spending Review (SR25). Ministers are telling the NHS (despite pay pressure from BMA/RCN) that awards must be funded within existing budgets. No access to the reserve.
November 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM
The DHSC's NHS pay submission, recommending a 2.5% cap, confirms a hard line driven by the Spending Review (SR25). Ministers are telling the NHS (despite pay pressure from BMA/RCN) that awards must be funded within existing budgets. No access to the reserve.
The Government seemingly has set its 2026 pay policy. DHSC evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body shows they plan for a 2.5% uplift, warning anything higher would force "trade-offs" against health commitments. The Cabinet Office is asking for the same 2.5% cap for Senior Civil Service pay.
November 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM
The Government seemingly has set its 2026 pay policy. DHSC evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body shows they plan for a 2.5% uplift, warning anything higher would force "trade-offs" against health commitments. The Cabinet Office is asking for the same 2.5% cap for Senior Civil Service pay.
How Left Unity Distorted a Key Organizing Concept to Cancel a Ballot: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/10/h...
How Left Unity Distorted a Key Organizing Concept to Cancel a Ballot
Left Unity, which leads the PCS union, decided not to hold a ballot of members across the UK civil service. Their official reason as to why no vote? Well activists, that’s you, failed a series of i…
pcsindependentleft.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
How Left Unity Distorted a Key Organizing Concept to Cancel a Ballot: pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/10/h...
We argue that PCS must immediately restart preparations for an industrial action campaign. Given the time LU has wasted, we need a proper run-up before a statutory ballot can succeed.
November 8, 2025 at 3:34 PM
We argue that PCS must immediately restart preparations for an industrial action campaign. Given the time LU has wasted, we need a proper run-up before a statutory ballot can succeed.
PCS President says that PCS is “working to secure an agreement with the employer on pay restoration...” and at the same time he acknowledges that “jobs, pay and the services you provide are all under threat of further cuts as the budget approaches in November.”
November 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM
PCS President says that PCS is “working to secure an agreement with the employer on pay restoration...” and at the same time he acknowledges that “jobs, pay and the services you provide are all under threat of further cuts as the budget approaches in November.”
It is extraordinary that as we wait for the so-called national pay talks to begin the union is not planning any accompanying campaign to put pressure on UK civil service senior managers. Those talks, such as they are will therefore be held in a vacuum.
November 5, 2025 at 11:12 AM
It is extraordinary that as we wait for the so-called national pay talks to begin the union is not planning any accompanying campaign to put pressure on UK civil service senior managers. Those talks, such as they are will therefore be held in a vacuum.
Read our latest posting. The President’s Confident Claim vs. Reality
pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/04/t...
pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/04/t...
The President’s Confident Claim vs. Reality
PCS National President Martin Cavanagh, the Left Unity (LU) co-leader, titled his latest web article, “Budget threat is clear – we will keep fighting.” The Independent Left (IL) agrees …
pcsindependentleft.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Read our latest posting. The President’s Confident Claim vs. Reality
pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/04/t...
pcsindependentleft.com/2025/11/04/t...
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PCS Independent Left
For a fighting, rank & file controlled union
pcsindependentleft.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:18 AM
If you have missed out on recent articles on the IL website then go to pcsindependentleft.com
When you are there, why not sign up to our email alert service (top of the site at the right hand side) so that you don't miss out on future postings.
When you are there, why not sign up to our email alert service (top of the site at the right hand side) so that you don't miss out on future postings.
Civil Service World also says that 2.5% will be recommended for senior civil service. Will 2.5% be the public sector norm? If so, that sinks any hope (faint as it was) that the national talks that PCS is joining will lead to any real improvements.
October 31, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Civil Service World also says that 2.5% will be recommended for senior civil service. Will 2.5% be the public sector norm? If so, that sinks any hope (faint as it was) that the national talks that PCS is joining will lead to any real improvements.
PCS i.e. Left Unity have posted 'Following delegated pay talks, and a series of consultations with groups and members, the NEC agreed that there is not a strong enough case to move to an industrial action ballot under the national campaign at this time, though this will be kept under review'.
October 30, 2025 at 3:09 PM
PCS i.e. Left Unity have posted 'Following delegated pay talks, and a series of consultations with groups and members, the NEC agreed that there is not a strong enough case to move to an industrial action ballot under the national campaign at this time, though this will be kept under review'.
PCS, that is LU, is entering civil service pay talks "unarmed" as it choose not to ballot members for industrial action. This lack of a strike threat strips the union of all leverage. They're relying on strong arguments (13% real-terms pay fall, recruitment crisis, pay compression) but power counts.
October 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
PCS, that is LU, is entering civil service pay talks "unarmed" as it choose not to ballot members for industrial action. This lack of a strike threat strips the union of all leverage. They're relying on strong arguments (13% real-terms pay fall, recruitment crisis, pay compression) but power counts.
From day one of the full scale invasion the IL has supported the right of the Ukrainian people to self determination, as we do for the Palestinian people.
On Tuesday 28 October, join us to protest against Reform UK, its links to and advocacy for Russia
From 5.30pm @ Reform UK HQ, Millbank Tower, London
From 5.30pm @ Reform UK HQ, Millbank Tower, London
October 28, 2025 at 12:38 PM
From day one of the full scale invasion the IL has supported the right of the Ukrainian people to self determination, as we do for the Palestinian people.
Shortly branches will be told that there will be no ballot and that the union is entering national talks on pay, job security etc. The Independent Left (IL) believes this approach is wrong. This moment demands activity as opposed to going into sleep mode.
October 27, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Shortly branches will be told that there will be no ballot and that the union is entering national talks on pay, job security etc. The Independent Left (IL) believes this approach is wrong. This moment demands activity as opposed to going into sleep mode.