Barnet depot workers owed £14,400 each in holiday pay ballot on strike

Barnet Council depot workers, responsible for street cleansing, waste collection and ground maintenance, are owed an average of £14,400 each in unpaid holiday pay dating back to 2013. The debt emerged after the council switched payroll providers in April 2025, revealing that Capita, the outsourced provider from October 2013 to March 2025, had not paid holiday pay on regular overtime.

The council has offered six months’ backpay, amounting to roughly £600 per worker, which depot staff have unanimously rejected. A strike ballot organised by Unison closes on 18 August 2026, with an industrial action ballot expected to follow if the dispute is not resolved.

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Council leader’s remarks spark outrage

Council leader Barry Rawlings faced criticism after reportedly telling workers during a depot briefing that the only way to recover the money was by taking it from disabled children. The remark was made in response to questions about why the council had not pursued Capita for reimbursement.

“The only way you’re gonna get your money back is by taking it away from the disabled children.”

Barry Rawlings, Barnet Council leader, as reported by Barnet Post

A waste worker present at the briefing, who asked to remain anonymous, told Barnet Post the exchange left staff shocked. Around 90 workers attended the meeting. A street cleaning worker confirmed the account, stating Rawlings had both confirmed the money had been spent and dismissed workers’ concerns.

Union demands full repayment

John Burgess, Barnet Unison branch secretary, said the council’s offer amounted to 4p for every £1 owed. He described the situation as a powder keg, with workers frustrated by what they see as repeated dismissals of their concerns.

Burgess explained that legislation passed in 2013 required holiday pay to be calculated on regular overtime. For every £100 of overtime, workers were entitled to an additional £8.33 in holiday pay. Capita, however, did not implement the change during its 12-year contract.

Capita has stated it delivered the service as instructed by Barnet Council and that the council does not dispute this. The council has not publicly explained why it did not ensure compliance or seek reimbursement from Capita after the error was discovered.

Council defends position

A Barnet Council spokesperson said there was no legal basis for a backdated claim but that the council was in discussions with unions about a goodwill payment. The spokesperson added that the council had introduced changes to overtime payments from 1 April 2025 to reflect holiday pay entitlements.

The spokesperson said the council was happy to work with unions to review why payments were not introduced earlier but did not address whether it would seek reimbursement from Capita. The council has previously cited significant financial challenges as a reason for limiting backpay.

Workers call for in-house services

Workers have repeatedly asked why the council has not pursued Capita for the unpaid sums. A street cleaning worker told Barnet Post the council should have taken action against Capita when the error was discovered in July 2025.

Green Party councillor Charli Thompson, representing Woodhouse ward, supported the workers’ demands. Thompson said the workers, who maintain public spaces in difficult conditions, deserve fair pay and conditions. She called for public services to be brought in-house with democratic accountability.

The waste worker said the dispute had been a long time coming and that workers were prepared to take action. The internal strike ballot closes on 18 August 2026, with an industrial action ballot expected to follow if the council does not improve its offer.

What happens next

The internal strike ballot for Barnet depot workers closes on 18 August 2026. If the result is in favour of action, Unison is expected to organise an industrial action ballot in the following weeks. The council has not indicated whether it will revise its backpay offer or pursue Capita for reimbursement.

Barnet Council has not responded to requests for comment on Barry Rawlings’ reported remarks. The council’s next steps in the dispute remain unclear.