THE LEADER of Barnet Council is disappointed by planned industrial action, after extending "generous" offer to staff on pension schemes.

More than 400 staff members are planning to strike on Tuesday, September 13, as part of industrial action by Barnet UNISON.

The Leader of the Council, Richard Cornelius said: “I am disappointed that even a small number of our staff have taken this step."

"No one benefits from such action, least of all residents.”

“We made a very generous offer that would have protected membership of the local government pension scheme along with other measures for those staff who may have transferred to another employer."

“I am disappointed that UNISON rejected that offer.”

The offer to UNISON stated that all employees in services moving to a new employer would be able to continue their membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme uninterrupted and unchanged.

It also promised local union recognition protection for staff moved to external suppliers; terms and conditions of staff transferred will be protected for at least one year after leaving the council’s employment.

Proposals also noted that any changes to terms and conditions after that first year would have to be negotiated with the appropriate trade union.