YOUTH SERVICE: Union kicks off pay negotiation with warning of 'catastrophe'

The union, which represents the majority of JNC-qualified youth workers, issued the warning in its annual pay claim.

Doug Nicholls, general secretary of the union, said: "Youth workers' pay has been consistently devalued since the 1970s." He believes continued low salaries will lead to a "de-professionalisation" of the service, greater recruitment and retention problems, and hold back the Government's initiatives to modernise the youth service.

The JNC Staff Side Claim 2003 document, in which the unions demand a "substantial increase" from 1 September, outlines the low pay of JNC Level 2 and 3 youth workers compared to new teachers.

James Mensah, a negotiation officer for the JNC Employer's Side, said: "We have just issued a consultation document to local authorities to get feedback by the end of the month. We can't make decisions before then."