British Library members back branch’s recommendation for improved offer to be imposed

This marks an important step forward for some of the British Library’s lowest-paid staff, many of whom have faced significant financial strain during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The Library’s initial 1.6% offer has, through sustained pressure from PCS and its members, been transformed into a package that includes a 4% consolidated increase for the lowest-paid employees and important reforms to tackle long-standing inequalities in the pay structure.

The full negotiated package includes:

• A consolidated increase of 4% for grades A and below.
• London Living Wage (LLW) adjustments for staff earning below the LLW threshold.
• An additional £2,000 uplift for Grade C minimums to address the issue of pay compression.
• An allowances review focused on addressing the non-payment of alternative working patterns for security staff.

All elements of the offer will be backdated to August 2025.

Behind the dispute are the lived experiences of the staff who keep the British Library running, workers who, despite delivering essential public services, have endured years of below-inflation pay awards.

Many members have shared how low pay has damaged their morale and motivation at work:

“I don't have the motivation like I used to have in work. I feel like what's the point.”

“The Library ride on its reputation but takes advantage of the staffs goodwill to uphold this.”

“I feel very replaceable. I am highly qualified and experienced, and I don't feel compensated fairly for my work and expertise.”

The impact on staff was laid bare after the Library’s cyber-attack, which left members facing visitor frustration and abuse during weeks of disruption, all while being offered a pay award that failed to reflect what they were carrying. And only last year, the employer suggested staff should “forgo Christmas presents” to cope with low pay, a stark reminder of how far workers have had to push to force change.

While the offer does not meet the full PCS national pay claim, it represents clear and meaningful progress for staff who have been struggling for too long. The union is stronger than ever and is determined to deliver on the national AWP campaign and secure full pay restoration in the next round of negotiations.

Fran Heathcote, PCS General Secretary said:

“Moving this offer from a ridiculous 1.6% to 4% happened because our members ran an exceptional campaign, hundreds on the picket lines, public backing from figures like Zadie Smith, and pressure that reached the very top with the CEO’s resignation.

“This process was repeatedly undermined by the British Library’s actions, from premature media announcements to withheld information and attempts to impose the offer.

“It’s not everything our members deserve, but it’s a clear step forward, and we will continue fighting for fair pay and dignity at work for every single one of them.”

END

Notes for Editors

Media Information: [email protected] / 07925433496

For more details on the history of this dispute please visit here, or contact the press office. 

More member testimonies are available upon request.