As GMB members will know, we submitted a pay claim to Southern Co-op in respect of your pay rise this year.

The company has responded as follows:

As you know, businesses across the country are facing significant challenges, and Southern Co-op is no exception. Rising costs, including the impact of the living wage and national insurance changes, are putting pressure on our profits and our ability to invest in the business—including colleague pay.

Despite these challenges, our priority remains clear: we want to protect jobs wherever possible and continue investing in colleague pay when affordable. We are committed to navigating these difficult times together and thank our colleagues for their hard work and dedication—we truly appreciate everything they do.

Therefore, in response to the pay claim received on Wednesday 12/02/2025:

• the request for additional annual leave is not something the business is able to accommodate. The Annual Leave entitlement is set across the business and we are not looking to change this for individual business areas.
• with regards to the conductor pay, we are pleased to be able to offer a 33% increase to the daily rate from £7.50 to £10 per day
• separate to the pay negotiation we will be removing the uniform allowance, and we will be providing all necessary uniform and PPE to carry out your roles. The aim for this is to standardise our colleagues' appearance as well as ensuring the correct safety equipment is worn (eg safety shoes)
• finally, despite the significant headwinds the business is facing, we are pleased to share that our offer is in excess of the requested pay claim and therefore, we will be offering 4.5% pay increase. The increase will be effective from 1st April 2025.

Please use the below ballot form to register your vote on whether you accept or reject this offer.  GMB's recommendation is to accept. 

The ballot closes at 12noon on Friday 7th March.  This allows the company to meet payroll cut off and ensuring all member receive the increase from 1st April.