Firstly, it’s important to recognise that that for many members, for example those in receipt of in-work benefits or making Student Loan repayments, receiving backpay presents significant difficulties and brings huge levels of anxiety. As a trade union this was one of the reasons we’ve tried to progress the employer making a pay offer as quickly as possible, and the huge delay – and the impact of this on some members – is entirely the fault of the Government and HMPPS.
Some members may consider that the backpay they would be due if the offer were to be accepted would be a better position to be in then where they are now.
Remember that tax and national insurance contributions will equate to around a one-third deduction from your gross pay, including any backpay amount. The figures you’re presented with by the employer as a lump sum of back pay aren’t what you’ll get in your pocket.
Despite denials from those who have failed to provide us with an earlier pay offer the trade unions involved believe that the long delay in making an offer is a tactic to coerce staff to accept it.