This factsheet sets out any relevant industry agreements and examples of company pay rates which workers can use to check that they’re getting the ‘going rate’ for their job and as evidence to assist in negotiating a better pay deal. See our Get a better deal leaflet for more tips.
The National Minimum Wage is the absolute minimum rate at which any worker (aged 18 and over) can be paid. Pay above this remains a matter of negotiation between the employer and worker, union or works council. Click here for the current rates.
Average Wages
According to the government’s New Earnings Survey for 2001 (latest figures available), the average earnings for caretakers are as follows:
annually
Hourly
Caretakers
£13,940
£6.58
NB. annual rates include overtime and bonus payments, hourly rates do not.
Industry Agreements
There are set pay rates for caretakers employed by a local authority or the NHS which apply nationally. In recent years there have been moves within the public sector towards local flexibility, but these rates are still important. If you work for one of these organisations and are employed on national terms you can use the information below to check you’re getting the correct rate. If you work for a private company, or for an NHS Trust or similar body, you can use these rates as a guide to help you negotiate your pay.
Local Authorities (England and Wales) From: 1.4.01. For: 37 hr week
(Former manual grades) Grade 5 - school caretaker 1
£10,554
Grade 6 - school caretaker 2
£10,875
Holidays: 22 days, 27 after 5 years
Local Authorities (Greater London) From 1.2.01. For: 37 hr week
Inner
Outer
(Former manual grades) Grade 5
£13,206
£12,492
Grade 6
£13,521
£12,819
Holidays: 22 days, 25 after 5 years
NHS Ancillary Staff From 1.4.01. For: 39 hr week
Min
Max
Grade B caretaking
£163.66
£169.58
Holidays: 20 days, 25 after 10 years Allowances: London-£36.13pw; fringe-£4.57pw;
Company Rates
These are examples of rates paid:
Severn Trent Water From: 1.4.01. For: 38 hr week
Min
Max
Wage:
£11,743
14,435
Holidays: 25 days, 28 after 5 years
HP Foods From: 1.4.01. For: 31.25 hr week
Wage:
£10,881
Holidays: 25 days
Broomleigh Housing Association) From 1.4.01. For: 36 hr week
Wage:
£5.85phr
Holidays: 20 days
Your rights
Once pay rates have been agreed, they form part of the worker's terms and conditions and you have the right to be paid the agreed rate. Employers cannot change any term of a contract without the worker's agreement. See our leaflet on terms and conditions
Low Pay Unit, Jan 2002
Please note that some information contained in this sheet is from the IDS Pay Benchmark Directory, November 2001 (Incomes Data Services (www.incomesdata.co.uk))
