Birmingham city council doubles agency spending during bin strikes
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Since Birmingham city council bin workers began striking in March 2025 over proposed pay cuts and role changes, the council has doubled its spending on agency staff in fleet and waste operations. A Guardian analysis of council spending data revealed that agency staff spending in the department increased from £4.3 million (April-December 2024) to £8.8 million (April-December 2025). Unite, the union representing the striking workers, accuses the council of unlawfully using agency staff to undermine the strike, while the council denies this and claims the increased spending is not solely related to residential waste collection. Unite's general secretary urges the council to resolve the strike instead of spending residents' money on agency staff. The bin strikes have caused waste collection disruptions and overflowing bins throughout Birmingham.
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Key Claims (5)
AI-ExtractedBirmingham city council refuted that agency workers have been carrying out work normally undertaken by striking workers.
The council spent more than £8.8m on agency staff between April to December 2025.
The council spent more than £4.3m on agency staff between April to December 2024.
Unite accused the council of breaking the law by using agency staff to try to break the strike.
Birmingham city council doubled spending on agency staff since the start of the bin strikes.
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