The Hackney Factor Campaign
This web page was created by supporters of the campaign. The Hackney Factor Campaign is an independent initiative by a group of Unison members. The page does not necessarily represent the views of either Unison nationally, or of the Hackney Unison Branch. It represents the interests of those Unison members who have organised themselves into the Hackney Factor Campaign so as to be able to take these cases to tribunal.
Although we won’t be able to afford a lawyer to attend the hearing, we hope to consult with a barrister in advance. A sympathetic barrister has agreed to see us for a fraction of their normal charges.

What was the Hackney Factor?
Hackney Council introduced the Hackney Factor package in the late 1970s as part of its attempt to recruit and retain office staff (APT&C grades, as they were then known). The package had two elements:

All APT&C staff (excluding social workers) were paid 2 incremental points above the National Pay Scales.

An additional annual leave entitlement of between three and four days (depending on grade) was granted.
In the early 1980s the council attempted to withdraw this, but, due to fierce resistance from the union, an agreement was reached whereby the Hackney Factor was consolidated and extended. Staff were to receive a further additional days annual leave, an additional 6 weeks maternity leave (on half pay) was agreed, ‘Paternity leave’ was introduced for the first time (six days) a further five days dependency leave was also granted to staff. In exchange, the unions conceded a ‘new technology’ agreement.

Why we deserve it
Hackney is one of the most deprived Borough’s in the country. A third of Hackney’s families exist on less than �5,000 pa, and two thirds of households exist on less than �10,000 a year. The social deprivation means that there are enormous pressures on staff who are providing services to the public. The council is riddled with institutional racism and political control is uncertain. The council is currently hung and in recent years numerous councillors elected as representatives of one party have swapped sides and taken up membership of another party. It doesn’t seem to matter which party has the ascendancy, as all compete to slash services in the belief that Hackney people will vote for the party which promises to reduce the council tax. With two third of households on an income of less than �10,000 per year most people in the borough receive council tax benefits. Lower council taxes do nothing to alleviate their poverty, but merely increase the pressure on staff who desperately attempt to deliver services which are inadequately funded.
Many staff live and work in Hackney; unlike the senior managers, they know and love the Borough. It is a tough place to work, but it attracts staff with a high level of commitment. We deserve every penny we earn and more!

How much was the Hackney Factor worth?
The Hackney factor was worth approximately �1,000 per year to staff. Apart form the obvious loss of income; its withdrawal affected the ability of staff to obtain mortgages and service existing loans. Its withdrawal had a significant affect on any redundancy payment, and affected pension rights. This was particularly important as immediately after withdrawing the Hackney Factor the Council entered into a vicious round of job. People who had worked for the council for 10 to 15 years on Hackney Factor grades found their final severance or pension payments significantly reduced. At tribunal the council will have to prove that it was ‘reasonable’ in all the circumstances to have removed this payment from us.